Podcast Summary: Selected Shorts – "Perfectly Unmatched"

Episode Information:

• Title: Perfectly Unmatched
• Host: Meg Wolitzer
• Author/Production: Symphony Space
• Release Date: August 14, 2025

Description: In this episode of Selected Shorts, hosted by Meg Wolitzer, listeners are transported into the intricate world of perfect mismatches. Through three compelling short stories, the episode explores the dynamics of unlikely pairings, whether between different species, cultures, or social statuses. Notable readings include "The Man and the Moose," "Red Dirt Don't Wash," and "The Piano Teacher's Pupil," each highlighting unique aspects of mismatched relationships.

1. Introduction: The Allure of Mismatches

Timestamp: [01:08] – [03:26]

Meg Wolitzer opens the episode by delving into the fascination with mismatched relationships in literature and storytelling. She emphasizes that while perfect matches like Romeo and Juliet or Harry and Meghan captivate audiences, it's the mismatched pairings that often offer profound insights and unexpected depth.

Notable Quote:

“Perfect mismatches work so well in stories… they are fascinating to witness. You never exactly know why two people are together as a couple or as friends… It's the mystery of attraction and its exact opposite that powers these fascinating duos.”
— Meg Wolitzer ([02:10])

2. "The Man and the Moose" by Ben Laurie

Timestamp: [03:26] – [11:16] Reader: Michael Cerverus

Summary: In "The Man and the Moose," an unlikely friendship forms between a daredevil man who frequently skydives and a timid moose. The story unfolds as the man invites the moose to a stag party, leading to a series of dramatic events. At the party, misunderstandings escalate when the moose becomes terrified upon seeing animal heads adorning the walls, mistaking them for a threat. A frantic chase ensues, culminating in a harrowing escape involving a distressed flight and a leap with a shared parachute.

Themes:

• Unlikely friendships
• Trust and misunderstanding
• Overcoming fears through companionship

Notable Quotes:

“I don't even know how to use it. Besides, I wouldn't have gotten this far without you.”
— The Moose ([10:45])

“I'm sorry. I didn't think. I'm so stupid. I'll make it up to you.”
— The Man ([08:50])

Host’s Reflection: Meg Wolitzer comments on the elemental satisfaction of the story's ending, highlighting the characters' journey towards mutual understanding and self-worth.

“There is an elemental satisfaction about this ending… it's a pity, but none of her cooking, she was sure.”
— Meg Wolitzer ([11:16])

3. "Red Dirt Don't Wash" by Roger Mays

Timestamp: [12:03] – [36:48] Introduction: Marlon James
Reader: Brandon J. Durden

Introduction by Marlon James: Marlon James introduces the late Jamaican author Roger Mays, emphasizing his exploration of rejected love and cultural divides. James shares his appreciation for Mays' ability to craft stories that resonate with personal and societal conflicts.

Summary: "Red Dirt Don't Wash" narrates the story of Adrian, a country boy deeply infatuated with Miranda, his city maid. Despite their stark cultural differences and Adrian's lack of sophistication, he endeavors to win her affection by purchasing shoes—a symbol of his attempt to bridge their worlds. Miranda's laughter at his efforts leads Adrian to a profound self-realization. Rejecting the ill-fitting shoes, Adrian embraces his identity and the "red dirt" of his homeland, finding self-worth independent of Miranda's approval.

Themes:

• Unrequited love
• Cultural and social mismatches
• Self-acceptance and identity

Notable Quotes:

“I know I'm not good enough for you, but all the same, I love you.”
— Adrian ([25:02])

“You never exactly know why two people are together as a couple or as friends… It’s the mystery of attraction and its exact opposite.”
— Meg Wolitzer ([02:10])

“But I never care… They were good shoes, genuine Vichy kid. He paid 22 and 11 pence.”
— Adrian ([36:48])

Host’s Reflection: Brandon J. Durden reflects on the story's ending, appreciating Adrian's journey towards self-worth and the nuanced portrayal of unreciprocated love.

“Cruel, dismissive girls will come and go, but this character now knows his own worth from head to toe.”
— Michael Cerverus ([36:48])

4. "The Piano Teacher's Pupil" by William Trevor

Timestamp: [39:18] – [56:09] Introduction: Elizabeth Strout
Reader: Kathryn Irby

Introduction by Elizabeth Strout: Elizabeth Strout introduces William Trevor's work, highlighting his ability to depict ordinary characters with extraordinary depth. She praises Trevor's economical use of language and his subtle storytelling techniques that reveal profound truths about human nature.

Summary: "The Piano Teacher's Pupil" explores the complex relationship between Ms. Elizabeth Nightingale, a dedicated piano teacher, and her silent, enigmatic student. As the boy's musical talents emerge, subtle tensions arise when personal items begin to disappear from Ms. Nightingale's home. The story delves into themes of obsession, unspoken desires, and the blurred lines between teacher and pupil. Ultimately, Ms. Nightingale grapples with her understanding of the boy's intentions and her own internal conflicts, leading to a quiet acceptance of the unresolved emotions that bind them.

Themes:

• Subtle mismatches in relationships
• Unspoken connections and misunderstandings
• Teacher-student dynamics

Notable Quotes:

“He could tell she valued her presence, that her being an audience of one meant more to him than the comments she contributed.”
— Narration ([54:30])

“She had been a victim, too, of the boy who had shown off to her his other skill.”
— Narration ([56:09])

Host’s Reflection: Kathryn Irby shares her admiration for Ms. Nightingale's character, likening the narrative's flow to music and expressing her appreciation for the story's surprises and emotional depth.

“It reminds me of music… I hope I just get into her head.”
— Kathryn Irby ([57:15])

5. Conclusion: Embracing the Unexpected

Timestamp: [56:09] – [57:15]

Meg Wolitzer wraps up the episode by reflecting on the three stories, emphasizing how each narrative avoids cliché solutions and instead presents authentic, nuanced portrayals of mismatched relationships. She suggests that these stories encourage listeners to embrace complexity and resist oversimplified understandings of human connections.

Notable Quote:

“We've heard three works in which our ideas of friendship, love, and trust in our instincts are tested… perhaps suggesting that we do the same.”
— Meg Wolitzer ([57:15])

Final Thoughts: "Perfectly Unmatched" masterfully intertwines stories that challenge conventional notions of compatibility and attraction. Through rich storytelling and profound character development, the episode invites listeners to explore the beauty and complexity inherent in mismatched relationships.

Additional Information:

• Production Credits: Produced by Jennifer Brennan and Sarah Montague.
• Supporters: Dungannon Foundation and public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts.
• Music: David Peterson's "That's the Deal," performed by the Dierdorf Peterson Group.

For more episodes and information, visit selectedshorts.org.