The New Yorker: The Writer's Voice - New Fiction from The New Yorker
WNYC Studios and The New Yorker
New Yorker fiction writers read their stories.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 4, 2024 • 28min
Fiona McFarlane Reads “Hostel”
Author Fiona McFarlane reads her story 'Hostel' on relationships, kindness, and tragedy in a gentrifying neighborhood. The narrative delves into contemplations on the dynamics of relationships, marital status, and reflections on the inherent goodness in the world.
Feb 26, 2024 • 33min
Thomas Korsgaard Reads “The Spit of Him”
Author Thomas Korsgaard reads his story ‘The Spit of Him.’ Follow Kevin as he sells stickers in a village, encounters interesting locals, and contemplates rain and moonlight.
Feb 19, 2024 • 35min
Jamil Jan Kochai Reads “On the Night of the Khatam”
Jamil Jan Kochai, author of '99 Nights in Logar', reads 'On the Night of the Khatam'. The story delves into couples navigating an unusual khatam scenario, interactions at Haji Hautak's gathering, a night of prayer with distractions, political intrigue, disconnection in relationships, and loneliness. A mix of humor, tension, and reflections unfold in this engaging narrative.
Feb 5, 2024 • 48min
Addie Citchens Reads “That Girl”
Author Addie Citchens reads 'That Girl' in a narrative about Shirley and Theo's porch interactions, exploring friendship, secrets, and dark imaginations. The story delves into Theo's relationships and emotions, culminating in a poignant encounter. The episode also discusses New Yorker fiction and cultural topics.
Jan 29, 2024 • 52min
Patrick Langley Reads “Life with Spider”
Author Patrick Langley reads his story 'Life with Spider,' delving into Fletcher Hardy's troubled past and his mysterious encounters with the entity named Spider. The story explores post-graduation life challenges, friendship dynamics, and the impact of Spider on Fletcher's mental well-being.
Jan 15, 2024 • 38min
David Means Reads “Chance the Cat”
Author David Means reads his story 'Chance the Cat' from The New Yorker, exploring the impact of a missing cat on relationships and new beginnings, delving into complex interactions and tensions among characters as they navigate loss, blame, and closure.
Jan 8, 2024 • 28min
Joy Williams Reads “The Beach House”
Joy Williams, Winner of the Library of Congress Prize for American Fiction, reads her story “The Beach House.” Topics include family memories, disownment, discussions about fudge and worker aprons, donating the Beach House, impending death, and struggling to make ends meet.
Jan 1, 2024 • 42min
Greg Jackson Reads “Wagner in the Desert”
A group of old friends gather in Palm Springs for a week of reckless activities. The narrator reflects on their privileged lifestyle and desire for something new. Frustration arises during a hike due to closed trails. Discussions about happiness, regrets, and the impact of having kids ensue. The group encounters a mysterious figure named Wagner and discuss embracing wealth and the passing of time. The narrator reflects on their experience at a cactus garden and the desire for connection and unity.
Dec 25, 2023 • 26min
Rivka Galchen Reads “Crown Heights North”
Author Rivka Galchen reads her story 'Crown Heights North,' exploring themes of vulnerability, connection, routine, mortality, and unexpected encounters. The story follows a man reflecting on life, love, and the vibrant community around him while jogging, offering a complex and lively picture of his experiences.
Dec 4, 2023 • 16min
Caleb Crain Reads “Keats at Twenty-Four”
Author Caleb Crain reads his story “Keats at Twenty-Four” and discusses the power of the unfinished, the meaning of the 'Oh Shenandoah' song, musing on solitude and time for writers, auditioning for a singing group, challenges of portraying real people in fiction, and an unexpected encounter involving a trapped pigeon.
