The New Yorker: Fiction • WNYC Studios and The New Yorker (paloma.orozco@prx.org)

In a captivating conversation for "The New Yorker: Fiction," Deborah Treisman hosts Greg Jackson to discuss how we wrestle with the fleeting nature of time, as illustrated in the works of Jennifer Egan. Jackson thoughtfully examines the concept of time through the lenses of literature and photography, interweaving narrative insights with cultural references. By dissecting scenes from "A Visit from the Goon Squad," they explore the fundamental conflict between our desire to preserve moments and time's relentless march forward. The episode presents a journey into the past's irrecoverability, with a focus on how photography attempts to capture what memory alone cannot— the precise instant that slips away even as it happens.

The psychological terrain of transitioning from childhood to adulthood is further navigated in the episode, revealing how these fundamental life stages affect relationships, self-identity, and emotional development. Treisman and Jackson probe the familial complexities as they unfold for characters like Charlie and Rolf, whose personal growth is marked by both introspection and external influence. They delve into the intricate web of family interactions, unpacking the repercussions of past decisions that linger like ghosts, representing our shared human experience of wrestling with history's permanent etchings. Listeners are treated to a multifaceted analysis of how formative experiences shape one's trajectory in indelible ways, illuminating the intricate dance between past and present selves.

Dive into a thought-provoking exploration of storytelling with "The New Yorker: Fiction," where host Deborah Treisman, joined by writer Sterling HolyWhiteMountain, delves into Roberto Bolaño's mesmerizing short story "Labyrinth." In this episode, they untangle Bolaño's intricate narrative fashioned around a genuine photograph of French writers, discussing how the merging of authentic facets with fictive elements crafts a rich tapestry that blurs the line between reality and invented tales. As the conversation unfolds, listeners gain insight into the author's methodical use of actual elements, such as the names and the image of real-life individuals, and how these are seamlessly integrated into his fantastical world, prompting contemplation on the interplay between the tangible and the imaginary.

The podcast also delves into the deep sense of isolation of Bolaño's characters, despite their connections to a literary elite captured in the same photograph. HolyWhiteMountain and Treisman examine the characters’ profound solitude and how this alienation shapes their interactions within the narrative. The episode celebrates Bolaño's labyrinthine storytelling structure, circling repeatedly to the photo that serves as the story's nexus, with characters navigating their way through emotional and physical mazes of existence. The speakers commend the story’s ability to ensnare readers, transporting them through the narrative's cyclical pattern as it reflects the wandering of thought and the solitary orbits of its protagonists, emphasizing the potency of a single image in conjuring an encompassing world that both captivates and isolates.

Dive into the multilayered fabric of a family's legacy and survival across conflicts as Rivka Galchen joins Deborah Treisman to explore a poignant story by Aleksandar Hemon on The New Yorker: Fiction podcast. The episode offers an intimate window into generations touched by the ravages of war, from the upheaval during World War II to the Bosnian conflict, and encapsulates the seismic shifts experienced during exile, rich with themes of resilience and identity.

Juxtaposed with the gravitas of displacement is the father's whimsical yet earnest attempt to capture his life on film, despite the comedic mishaps that include a stubborn bee and his own son's critical performance. The narrative unwinds further to reveal the profound empathy the father exerts towards his mentally challenged relative, underscoring the complexities of family ties and obligations. Throughout the story, bees buzz as a constant metaphor, symbolizing the steadfast and adaptive nature of the human spirit in the face of relentless adversity, and the enduring pursuit of cultural continuity.

Join David Remnick and Deborah Treisman as they welcome Teju Cole on "The New Yorker: Fiction" podcast for a contemplative journey through the intricacies of life and art. In this episode, Cole explores the poignant metaphor of swimming as a means to understand our place in an ever-changing world. He delves into the concept of momentum, both in the context of reading and navigating life's currents, considering the tangible sense of anonymity and freedom found beneath the water's surface. Here, swimming becomes a gateway to pondering the notions of identity and the liberating effects of 'swimmingness'.

The conversation also traverses the delicate art of storytelling and the appreciation of cultural beauty. Cole seeks an authentic experience of beauty, one devoid of pretense, and instead rooted in a quietly profound engagement with the world. The duo focuses on personhood versus collective identities, scrutinizing how stories often blur the unique with the broader narratives. Emphasizing the respect for our 'heartbroken little era,' they critique the cynicism in certain artistic expressions and celebrate an honest, empathetic approach to the shared journey of life. "The New Yorker: Fiction" invites listeners to reflect on individuality, sensitivity, and the resonating power of storytelling.

Dive into the layered narrative of Mavis Gallant through the insightful lens of Margaret Atwood in "The New Yorker: Fiction." Host Deborah Treisman welcomes Atwood to delve into the life and aspirations of Gallant's fictive alter ego, Lynette Muir. As they unravel the character's quest for intellectual fulfillment and self-imposed exile, listeners are invited to examine the enduring themes of identity and belonging within Gallant's work.

While dissecting Lynette's complex interactions with characters like Frank Cairns, the podcast sheds light on the lesser-known "remittance men" and their involuntary journeys to places far from home. As Atwood reflects on Lynette's evolving perceptions of national identity, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of the psychological impact of cultural displacement. This episode is a contemplation of exile in its many forms, from the historical to the personal, resonating with the experiences of immigrants and those on the fringes of their own societies.