Selected Shorts: Best American Short Stories 2022
Symphony Space | Release Date: May 1, 2025

Episode Overview

The Selected Shorts episode titled "Best American Short Stories 2022", hosted by Symphony Space, celebrates the rich tradition of American short fiction. Edited by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Andrew Sean Greer, this episode features compelling readings from the anthology, insightful discussions, and reflections on the art of storytelling. The program is designed to transport listeners into the magic of fiction through powerful performances and thoughtful commentary.

Andrew Sean Greer’s Introduction [00:54]

Andrew Sean Greer kicks off the episode with an enthusiastic introduction to his role as the guest editor for the 2022 Best American Short Stories collection. Reflecting on his experience, Greer remarks:

“Storytelling in America is as vibrant as ever. The difficulties we've all lived through and are still living through have unleashed writers, which is exactly what we need.”
— Andrew Sean Greer [02:45]

He emphasizes the anthology's role in validating writers' efforts, stating:

“I think this collection is a way of hearing from the world that you are good. And I think that's invaluable.”
— Andrew Sean Greer [04:11]

Reading: "The Little Widow from the Capitol" by Johanca Delgado [06:16]

Christina Alabado delivers a mesmerizing performance of "The Little Widow from the Capitol" by Johanca Delgado, a story blending magical realism with themes of immigration, chauvinism, and compassion. The narrative follows a community's growing suspicion and eventual fear of a new neighbor, the titular little widow, culminating in a dramatic and supernatural resolution.

Key Highlights:

• Community Suspicion: The story unfolds through the collective perspective of a group observing the widow, highlighting societal judgments and prejudices.

• Magical Realism: Delgado infuses the tale with fantastical elements, such as the widow's embroidered seascapes coming to life and the climactic transformation of her dress into pigeons.

• Climactic Transformation: In a pivotal moment, the widow transforms her silk wedding dress into a flurry of pigeons, symbolizing liberation and the shattering of community fears.

Discussion: Analyzing "The Little Widow from the Capitol" [31:50]

After the reading, Johanca Delgado and Meg Wolitzer delve into the nuances of the story. Meg Wolitzer highlights the story's use of the collective "we" voice:

“The use of the we voice is really interesting here in part because it's a critical voice, observing and judging the title character and drawing us into that judgment.”
— Meg Wolitzer [36:29]

Delgado expands on the storytelling technique, noting how the narrative transcends individual perspectives to create a universal tale of misunderstanding and fear.

Andrew Sean Greer’s Insights [37:13]

Greer returns to share his thoughts on the story's impact on his students:

“Delgado gave them the license to play, which is really what every writer needs.”
— Andrew Sean Greer [37:13]

He emphasizes the importance of embracing imaginative and unconventional storytelling methods, encouraging writers to commit fully to their creative visions.

Reading: "Wild Plums" by Grace Stone Coates [42:09]

Maya Dillon presents "Wild Plums" by Grace Stone Coates, a story recognized as one of the best American short stories of the century by John Updike. Set in early 20th-century Montana, the narrative explores themes of social snobbery, marital strife, and personal growth through the lens of a young girl's experiences with her family and the Slumps, neighbors with unconventional lifestyles.

Key Highlights:

• Childhood Innocence and Observation: The protagonist navigates complex family dynamics and societal expectations, offering a poignant look at growing up.

• Symbolism of Plums: The recurring motif of wild plums serves as a metaphor for temptation, boundaries, and the bittersweet nature of experiences.

• Social Commentary: Coates subtly critiques rural social norms and the limitations placed on women and children in her setting.

Discussion: Exploring "Wild Plums" [56:13]

Post-reading, Johanca Delgado and Meg Wolitzer discuss the story's depth and Coates' craftsmanship. Wolitzer commends the author's ability to weave significant themes into a seemingly simple narrative:

“She captures rural social snobbery, the architecture of a sad marriage, budding feminism, and a small but important rite of passage in a story seemingly about nothing more than a treat offered and rejected.”
— Meg Wolitzer [42:09]

Delgado praises the story's economic use of language and its lasting emotional resonance, highlighting its place in the Best American Short Stories collection.

Final Remarks by Andrew Sean Greer [56:32]

In his closing remarks, Greer underscores the anthology's mission to showcase innovative and boundary-pushing narratives:

“It's what these stories are. They're all stories with freaking mermaids in them, meaning some literally. Actually, there's one that has a mermaid most figuratively...”
— Andrew Sean Greer [56:32]

He encourages writers to embrace their unique voices and storytelling techniques, advocating for originality and commitment to one's creative impulses.

Conclusion

The "Best American Short Stories 2022" episode of Selected Shorts offers listeners a rich tapestry of contemporary American fiction, brought to life through exceptional readings and insightful discussions. Andrew Sean Greer's curation highlights emerging and established voices, while the performances by Christina Alabado and Maya Dillon immerse the audience in the emotional landscapes of the stories. This episode not only celebrates the art of short storytelling but also inspires both readers and writers to explore the depths of human experience through diverse narrative forms.

Notable Quotes:

• Andrew Sean Greer [02:45]:
  “I think that's invaluable.”

• Meg Wolitzer [36:29]:
  “The use of the we voice is really interesting here...”

• Andrew Sean Greer [37:13]:
  “Delgado gave them the license to play...”

• Meg Wolitzer [42:09]:
  “She captures rural social snobbery...”

• Andrew Sean Greer [56:32]:
  “They're all stories with freaking mermaids in them...”

Selected Shorts continues to be a beacon for literary enthusiasts, offering a platform where stories from the Best American Short Stories anthology are celebrated and examined with depth and passion. Whether you're a longtime listener or new to the series, this episode provides a compelling glimpse into the vibrant world of American short fiction.