I want to incorporate more short story reading into my routine. I love Levar Burton’s podcast, and I was excited to find The New Yorker fiction podcast to listen to great short stories and interesting conversations by writers about the craft of writing. This feeds my English teacher energy. 

This particular story did not necessarily fully capture my attention, and in fact, I forgot about much of the structure and plot, so I listened to the analysis again. This story fictionally analyzes a photograph of writers at a retreat in Paris in the 1970s. The discussion points out moments where the author’s detailed, grotesque descriptions counter the factual realities of the photograph, which adds a layer of fascination and creativity to the writing. This story is particularly dark and cruel portrait. The author assesses each individual in the photograph, makes up a (highly sexualized but gruesome) backstory, and discusses each person’s body in tremendous detail. 

I look forward to listening to more of these short stories, and I intend to write my reviews more quickly in order to maximize my analysis.