The New Yorker: The Writer's Voice - New Fiction from The New Yorker

Zadie Smith presents her evocative story, 'The Silence,' exploring the powerful themes of solitude and introspection. Listeners are taken on a journey through the protagonist's reflections on life changes and memories, framed by moments of quiet. Vivid imagery underscores the complexities of human connection, showcased through symbolic encounters. Smith's reading invites deep emotional engagement, highlighting the significance of silence in fostering understanding and self-discovery.

Ottessa Moshfegh reads her story “The Comedian,” from the July 7 & 14, 2025, issue of the magazine. Moshfegh is the author of one story collection and four novels, including “Eileen,” for which she won the PEN/Hemingway Award in 2016; “My Year of Rest and Relaxation”; and “Lapvona,” which came out in 2022. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Jhumpa Lahiri reads her story “Jubilee,” from the July 7 & 14, 2025, issue of the magazine. Lahiri, a recipient of the National Humanities Medal and the PEN/Malamud Award, among others, is the author of six books of fiction, including the story collections “Interpreter of Maladies,” which won the Pulitzer Prize in 2000, and “Roman Stories,” which was written in Italian and published in English in 2023. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Han Ong reads his story “Happy Days,” from the June 30, 2025, issue of the magazine. The recipient of a MacArthur Fellowship and the Berlin Prize, Ong is the author of more than a dozen plays and two novels, “Fixer Chao” and “The Disinherited.” Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Yiyun Li reads her story “Any Human Heart,” from the June 23, 2025, issue of the magazine. Li is the author of eight books of fiction, including the novels “Must I Go” and “The Book of Goose,” and the story collection “Wednesday’s Child,” which was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in 2024. A new nonfiction book, “Things in Nature Merely Grow,” was published in May. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Jim Shepard reads his story “The Queen of Bad Influences,” from the June 16, 2025, issue of the magazine. Shepard, a winner of the Rea Award for the Short Story, is the author of thirteen books of fiction, including the novels “The Book of Aron” and “Phase Six” and the story collection “The World to Come.” Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

In a captivating story, Louise Erdrich explores a tense confrontation in a rural farmhouse, revealing deep themes of ownership and isolation. A gripping tale unfolds as a sheriff's tragic death sparks a frantic hunt for justice, highlighting emotional bonds and loss. Meanwhile, a fugitive's journey delves into survival and the unexpected warmth of human connections, as he navigates danger lurking in the shadows. Each narrative layer unravels the complexities of life in a slower-paced world, blending tension and poignant character relationships.

Patricia Lockwood reads her story “Fairy Pools,” from the May 26, 2025, issue of the magazine. Lockwood is a poet, essayist, and novelist. Her memoir “Priestdaddy,” which came out in 2017, won the Thurber Prize, and her first novel, “No One Is Talking About This,” won the Dylan Thomas Prize in 2022. A new novel, “Will There Ever Be Another You,” from which this story was adapted, will come out later this year. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Lillian Fishman reads her compelling story, diving into the struggle of identity and self-perception faced by a woman navigating her mind and body. The narrative is rich with tension and introspection, sparking thought about authenticity in a superficial world. Humor is woven through a lighthearted tale of misdirected ads, providing a contrast to weighty themes like relationships and the challenges of adulthood. As listeners are invited into complex emotional landscapes, the journey of self-discovery unfolds with poignant insights.

Saïd Sayrafiezadeh, an accomplished author known for his memoir and noteworthy story collections, reads his captivating tale “Nocturnal Creatures.” He explores the unique life of a pest control worker, delving into the intricacies of urban living. The story highlights the emotional connections formed while addressing infestations and reflects on deeper themes of fear and aspiration. Sayrafiezadeh's insightful storytelling weaves together the challenges of city life and the unexpected bonds we create with others.