Selected Shorts: Sizzling Summer Travels
Host: Meg Wolitzer
Release Date: July 17, 2025
Produced by: Symphony Space
Introduction
Timestamp: 00:36
Meg Wolitzer opens the episode by evoking the essence of summer—highlighting its association with thrillers on the beach, memorable road trips, and family adventures. She sets the stage for a collection of short stories that offer unconventional takes on summer themes such as romance, betrayal, and unexpected twists.
“In one story, a celebrity author does battle with his hotel. In the second, a wrong turn on a rural road changes everything. In the third, a dream comes true. And in the fourth, an old friendship revisits old secrets.”
— Meg Wolitzer (00:36)
Meg emphasizes the diversity and depth of the selected stories, promising listeners a rich tapestry of narratives beyond the typical summer fare.
Story 1: "How to Travel with a Salmon" by Umberto Eco
Performed by Jin Ha
Timestamp: 03:07
Summary:
Umberto Eco delivers a satirical and comedic tale about the challenges of traveling with a salmon. The protagonist's attempt to maintain his salmon in a deluxe hotel minibar leads to a series of escalating mishaps involving an overstocked minibar and a malfunctioning computerized system. Despite his efforts to hide the salmon, the restaurant’s automated management system misinterprets his actions, resulting in an exorbitant bill for drinks he never consumed.
Notable Quotes:
“How to Travel WITH a Salmon According to the newspapers, there are two chief problems that beset the modern world.”
— Umberto Eco (03:07)
“Now my publisher is furious and thinks I'm a chronic freeloader. My salmon is inedible. My children insist I cut down on my drinking.”
— Umberto Eco (08:13)
Host Commentary:
Meg reflects on the absurdity of hotel minibars, drawing parallels between Eco’s fictional predicament and real-life experiences. She connects with the audience by sharing her own humorous anecdote about a misplaced bottle of baby formula.
“Hotel rooms have their rules, but I agree with Eco that the protocol of the minibar is a true peculiarity.”
— Meg Wolitzer (08:13)
Story 2: "The Weekend Travelers" by Elizabeth Spencer
Performed by Campbell Scott
Timestamp: 10:11
Summary:
Elizabeth Spencer presents a suspenseful narrative about Anna and Carl Wallens, a newly married couple on a road trip through Vermont. A wrong turn leads them to an isolated pottery house where they encounter an enigmatic girl and eventually confront mysterious men who block their exit. The story delves into themes of fear, isolation, and the unknown, culminating in a surreal experience that blurs reality and illusion.
Notable Quotes:
“It was mid afternoon, hardly later than three, when Anna and Carl came to the house.”
— Campbell Scott (10:11)
“Their favorite child who might be sleeping. The voices began again, and so did the dog, but both had receded to a farther distance than before.”
— Campbell Scott (19:38)
“She rubbed her fingers on the smooth grey surface. It felt cool.”
— Campbell Scott (25:14)
Host Commentary:
Meg compares the story to Shirley Jackson’s works, praising Campbell Scott's ability to render ordinary situations into something vulnerably compelling. She shares a personal reflection on childhood fears associated with roadside signs, enhancing the relatability of the narrative.
“This story is compelling and petrifying in the tradition of Shirley Jackson. It pulls us right in and won't let us go.”
— Meg Wolitzer (25:14)
Story 3: "The Man, the Restaurant, and the Eiffel Tower" by Ben Lurie
Performed by Stana Kotick
Timestamp: 28:50
Summary:
Ben Lurie's whimsical story follows a man obsessed with the Eiffel Tower who has never visited Paris due to his familial obligations of running the family restaurant. On his 40th birthday, his children surprise him with a trip to Paris, allowing him to realize his dream. Tragically, his absence leads to the restaurant's downfall. In a magical twist, the man rebuilds his legacy by establishing a new restaurant atop the Eiffel Tower, blending his love for the structure with his passion for hospitality.
Notable Quotes:
“He even had a recording he loved to listen to that consisted of various celebrities describing the first time they'd ever seen the Eiffel Tower.”
— Ben Lurie (28:50)
“Now, today, everything is fine. The man has a brand new restaurant. It's not in the same town or even the same country. It's at the top of the Eiffel Tower.”
— Ben Lurie (34:28)
Host Commentary:
Meg appreciates the story's charm, highlighting themes of family, sacrifice, and the fulfillment of personal dreams. She muses on her own relationships with her parents, contemplating the depth and impact of familial support.
“This is a charming story, in part because it involves a whole family and because it reminds us to dream big.”
— Meg Wolitzer (34:28)
Story 4: "Roman Fever" by Edith Wharton
Performed by Maria Tucci
Timestamp: 35:47
Summary:
Edith Wharton’s classic tale "Roman Fever" is a masterful exploration of hidden resentments and long-buried secrets between two middle-aged American women, Mrs. Slade and Mrs. Ansley. Set in Rome, the story unravels their complicated past involving love, jealousy, and betrayal. Through a series of flashbacks and sharp dialogues, the story culminates in a shocking revelation that redefines their entire relationship.
Notable Quotes:
“We took Jesus the teacher and I have never heard another man speak like him.”
— Maria Tucci (35:47)
“You went to meet the man I was engaged to. And I can repeat every word of the letter that took you there.”
— Maria Tucci (59:09)
Host Commentary:
Meg lauds Maria Tucci’s poignant performance, emphasizing the story’s powerful and unexpected ending. She draws a parallel to O. Henry’s surprise endings, sharing a personal anecdote about how "Roman Fever" influenced literary conversations among her friends during college.
“That last devastating line is so quietly powerful we can't quite be sure we've heard it, and immediately we are right there with them, reliving their whole lives.”
— Meg Wolitzer (59:09)
Conclusion
Timestamp: 59:09
Meg Wolitzer wraps up the episode by reflecting on the diverse narratives presented, from comedic escapades and suspenseful adventures to heartfelt family sagas and dramatic revelations. She acknowledges the multifaceted nature of summer travels, encompassing not just leisure but also the profound and unexpected turns life can take.
“We hope we've demonstrated that summer is not just about idleness and sunscreen. Depending on your path, it can lead to absurdity, mystery, dreams realized, and delusions dashed.”
— Meg Wolitzer (59:09)
Meg encourages listeners to explore these rich stories through the Selected Shorts platform, highlighting the convenience of accessing high-quality storytelling without the burden of physical books.
“If you'd like something a bit shorter and would like to leave the reading to our exceptional company of actors. Just go to our website selectedshorts.org for our latest shows, past episodes, interviews and more.”
— Meg Wolitzer (26:27)
Production Credits
Produced by: Jennifer Brennan and Sarah Montague
Team: Matthew Love, Drew Richardson, Mary Shimkin, Vivienne Woodward, and Magdalene Robleski
Recordings: Myles B. Smith (Symphony Space, Getty Center), Phil Richards (other venues)
Mix Engineer: Jennifer Nolsen
Theme Music: David Peterson's "That's the Deal" performed by the Dierdorf Petersen Group
Support: Dungannon Foundation, New York State Council on the Arts
Note: Advertisements and non-content sections from the transcript were omitted to maintain focus on the episode's key discussions and narratives.