Selected Shorts Podcast Summary
Title: Celebrating the O’Henry Prize, with Amor Towles
Host: Meg Wolitzer
Release Date: May 29, 2025
Produced By: Symphony Space
Introduction to the O’Henry Prize
Timestamp: [00:00]
Meg Wolitzer opens the episode by introducing the celebration of the O’Henry Prize, highlighting its prestigious history as the oldest continuous literary award for short fiction, established in 1919. Named after the renowned writer O. Henry, the prize has long been a beacon for diverse voices in literature. Wolitzer emphasizes the prize's role in showcasing both emerging and established writers, serving as a cornerstone for the short story genre.
"The O. Henry Prize has celebrated the breadth of the form as it's the oldest major prize dedicated to the short story."
— Meg Wolitzer [00:45]
This year marks a special celebration where the entire show is dedicated to the 2024 O. Henry Prize winners, curated by acclaimed novelist Amor Towles, known for his bestsellers like A Gentleman in Moscow and The Lincoln Highway.
Amor Towles on the Art of Short Storytelling
Timestamp: [03:01]
Amor Towles takes the stage at Symphony Space to share his insights on selecting O. Henry Prize-winning stories. He delves into the distinct nature of short fiction compared to novels, emphasizing the brevity and immediacy required in short stories.
"The best way to understand the difference is that it's like you go to a restaurant and you sit down at a table... you're listening, right? And you're asking yourself, wait, I have questions. So there you are, and you have to sort of just imagine the rest."
— Amor Towles [03:45]
Towles articulates the beauty and challenge of short stories, where readers must piece together characters and settings from fleeting glimpses, culminating in a profound and often abrupt conclusion. This succinctness fosters a unique reader-writer dynamic, offering both beauty and liberation within the limited scope.
First Story: "Mobilization" by Allegra Hyde
Timestamp: [05:23]
Author: Allegra Hyde
Reader: Jane Kaczmarek
The first story, "Mobilization", presents a vibrant and satirical depiction of a motorhome caravan dominating the American landscape. Hyde crafts a post-apocalyptic scenario where a fleet of motorhomes symbolizes a mobile utopia, only to face an abrupt crisis when fuel runs out, leading to their eventual submergence into the Gulf of Mexico.
Key Themes:
- Mobility vs. Stability: The tension between the freedom of constant movement and the inevitability of stagnation.
- Community and Individualism: The collective spirit of the caravan contrasted with personal journeys.
- Environmental Commentary: The metaphorical and literal implications of a fuel-dependent society.
"We were a city on wheels, a city on the go, a growing city. More motorists joined us every day."
— Jane Kaczmarek as Narrator [06:00]
Backstage Insights with Jane Kaczmarek
Timestamp: [25:13]
Post-performance, Jane Kaczmarek shares her admiration for Hyde's inventive language and narrative structure. She highlights the story's dynamic energy and the seamless transition from a lively journey to an apocalyptic prophecy.
"I loved the inventive energy of the language and the vehicles."
— Jane Kaczmarek [25:13]
Kaczmarek praises Hyde's ability to engage listeners with vivid descriptions and unexpected turns, noting how the story's lively pace mirrors the metaphorical 'movement' both literal and emotional.
Second Story: "The Import" by Jai Chakrabarti
Timestamp: [27:59]
Author: Jai Chakrabarti
Reader: Arjun Gupta
“The Import” explores the complexities of a multicultural marriage strained by the introduction of a caretaker from the couple’s homeland. Chakrabarti delves into themes of cultural assimilation, familial expectations, and the impact of external influences on personal relationships.
Key Themes:
- Cultural Identity: Balancing heritage with assimilation in a foreign land.
- Marriage Dynamics: The strains and negotiations within a multicultural partnership.
- Parenthood: The role of external figures in the upbringing of a child.
"What does she do to my son?"
— Raj [56:20]
Backstage Insights with Arjun Gupta
Timestamp: [56:20]
Arjun Gupta discusses his approach to performing Chakrabarti's nuanced narrative. He appreciates the layers of cultural interplay and the subtle unraveling of personal relationships within the story.
"It's drawn to stories that allow me to engage with them, and I really felt like I got to with this one."
— Arjun Gupta [56:29]
Gupta emphasizes the story's exploration of identity and the unspoken tensions that arise when cultures collide, highlighting how Chakrabarti skillfully portrays the inner conflicts of his characters.
Analysis and Conclusion
Timestamp: [57:15]
Meg Wolitzer wraps up the episode by analyzing both stories, noting their distinct cultural backgrounds and the universal themes they address. She reflects on the O. Henry Prize's role in promoting diverse storytelling and its contribution to the evolution of short fiction.
"These two stories... demonstrate the breadth of the prize's honorees and illustrate the continuing evolution of the form."
— Meg Wolitzer [57:15]
Wolitzer remarks on the powerful resolutions these stories offer, leaving audiences with lingering questions and a deeper understanding of human experiences across different cultures and settings.
Production Credits
Timestamp: [Final Section]
- Produced By: Jennifer Brennan and Sarah Montague
- Team Members: Matthew Love, Drew Richardson, Mary Shimkin, Vivienne Woodward, and Magdalene Robleski
- Recorded By: Miles B. Smith
- Theme Music: David Peterson's "That's the Deal," performed by the Deardorf Petersen Group
- Support: Dungannon Foundation, New York State Council on the Arts
Summary
In this special episode of Selected Shorts, host Meg Wolitzer, alongside guest editor Amor Towles, celebrates the 2024 O’Henry Prize winners by presenting two compelling stories that explore diverse themes through masterful storytelling. Allegra Hyde's "Mobilization" offers a satirical look at a fuel-dependent society's collapse, read with vivacity by Jane Kaczmarek, who appreciates the story's dynamic energy and inventive language. Jai Chakrabarti's "The Import", narrated by Arjun Gupta, delves into the intricacies of a multicultural marriage and the challenges of cultural assimilation, highlighting the subtle tensions and deep emotional currents that define human relationships.
Both stories exemplify the richness and versatility of short fiction, showcasing how the O’Henry Prize continues to honor and elevate voices that reflect the multifaceted nature of contemporary life. Through engaging performances and insightful discussions, the episode underscores the enduring power of short stories to capture profound truths and resonate with audiences across different backgrounds.
Whether exploring the metaphorical loss of mobility in a collapsing society or the personal struggles within a cross-cultural marriage, these narratives leave listeners with a sense of resolution and a deeper appreciation for the art of short storytelling.
For More Information:
Visit the Selected Shorts website at pledshorts.org or find the podcast on your favorite platform to explore more stories and celebrate the magic of fiction through the voices of exceptional authors and performers.