Selected Shorts: The New Yorker – A Century of Fiction

Host: Meg Wolitzer
Producer: Symphony Space
Release Date: May 15, 2025

Introduction: Celebrating a Century of The New Yorker

Meg Wolitzer begins the episode by introducing a special collaboration between Selected Shorts and The New Yorker magazine, honoring its 100th anniversary. She highlights The New Yorker's rich legacy in short fiction, featuring iconic writers such as Raymond Carver, Jhumpa Lahiri, Haruki Murakami, and John Updike. To commemorate this milestone, The New Yorker released an anthology titled "A Century of Fiction in the New Yorker", curated by long-time fiction editor Deborah Treisman.

"There's no way in the course of an evening here to express the full breadth of what we've printed in the magazine, but we gave it a shot."
— Deborah Treisman ([02:16])

Deborah Treisman’s Curated Selections

Deborah Treisman provides insight into the selection process for the anthology. She reflects on how The New Yorker has evolved from a humor-centric publication to a diverse literary powerhouse over the decades. Treisman emphasizes the challenge of narrowing down stories, admitting that for every chosen piece, there were ten others she wished to include.

"For every story that's in there, there were 10 more I wanted to include."
— Deborah Treisman ([02:16])

1. E.B. White’s “Life Cycle of a Literary Genius”

E.B. White, renowned for his children’s classics and contributions to The New Yorker, is featured with his satirical piece "Life Cycle of a Literary Genius". Performed by Liev Schreiber, the story humorously chronicles the exaggerated trajectory of a literary prodigy from childhood to premature death, underscoring the pressures of literary success.

"The fact that you can put pen to paper or hands to keyboard. The piece was published in 1926 does not make you a genius unless you are E.B. White."
— Meg Wolitzer ([06:36])

2. William Maxwell’s “Love”

William Maxwell, a pillar of The New Yorker as both writer and long-time fiction editor, presents "Love," a poignant narrative about the enduring bond between a beloved fifth-grade teacher and her students. Fred Hechinger delivers a heartfelt performance, capturing the nuanced emotions of love that transcend time and circumstance.

"This quietly moving story about a teacher and her devoted class makes us remember that love can take very different forms at different points in our lives."
— Meg Wolitzer ([15:47])

Notable Quote:

"She put her nose in the flowers and said, thank you all very, very much, and then turned our minds to the spelling lesson for the day after school."
— Fred Hechinger as William Maxwell ([07:39])

3. Tobias Wolff’s “Bullet in the Brain”

Tobias Wolff, celebrated for his sharp storytelling, shares "Bullet in the Brain," a gripping tale that juxtaposes the fleeting nature of life with the enduring memories of a protagonist facing imminent death. Liev Schreiber masterfully portrays Anders, a cynical book critic, whose last moments reveal the profound and often overlooked facets of his life.

"In unspooling the life of a dying man, it reminds us of why the New Yorker is revered as a showcase for fiction."
— Meg Wolitzer ([32:53])

Notable Quote:

"He did this by making himself stare into the man's eyes, which were clearly visible behind the holes in the mask."
— Liev Schreiber as Tobias Wolff ([18:05])

4. Eun Lee’s “All Will Be Well”

Eun Lee, known for her evocative narratives, presents "All Will Be Well," a fairy-tale-like story set in a hair salon. Anne Harada delivers a mesmerizing performance that intertwines themes of love, memory, and cultural identity. The story delves into the complexities of past relationships and the haunting nature of unfulfilled promises.

"Lee's use of the oft-quoted homily by Mother Julian of Norwich, 'All Will Be Well,' is inspired by a sampler on which it was embroidered, and it's up to us to decide if it is meant to be consoling or ironic."
— Meg Wolitzer ([57:40])

Notable Quote:

"I am not a good writer of love stories."
— Anne Harada as Eun Lee ([33:57])

Conclusion: Reflecting on The New Yorker’s Literary Legacy

Meg Wolitzer wraps up the episode by reiterating the significance of The New Yorker in the literary world, celebrating its diverse and imaginative contributions to fiction over the past century. She expresses hope for The New Yorker’s continued influence and longevity in the literary community.

"We wish them another hundred years and many happy returns."
— Meg Wolitzer ([57:40])

Production Credits

• Produced By: Jennifer Brennan and Sarah Montague
• Team Members: Matthew Love, Drew Richardson, Mary Shimkin, Vivienne Woodward, Magdalene Robleski
• Recorded By: Miles B. Smith (Symphony Space), Phil Richards (Getty Center, Los Angeles)
• Mix Engineer: Jennifer Nolsen
• 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

Notable Themes and Insights

1. Evolution of Short Fiction: The anthology showcases how short stories have transformed over a century, mirroring societal changes and expanding the boundaries of the genre.

2. Diverse Voices: Highlighting a range of authors, the program underscores the importance of diverse perspectives in literature.

3. Enduring Impact of Teachers: William Maxwell’s “Love” emphasizes the lasting influence educators can have on their students' lives.

4. Memory and Legacy: Tobias Wolff’s “Bullet in the Brain” and Eun Lee’s “All Will Be Well” explore how memories shape our understanding of life and relationships.

5. Humor and Satire: E.B. White’s “Life Cycle of a Literary Genius” introduces a lighter, satirical tone, balancing the more serious narratives.

Final Thoughts

This episode of Selected Shorts offers listeners a rich tapestry of The New Yorker's finest short fiction, performed by acclaimed actors who bring each story to life with depth and emotion. Whether exploring the satirical musings of E.B. White or the heartfelt reminiscences in William Maxwell’s tales, the program delivers a compelling celebration of a century's worth of literary excellence.

For more stories by The New Yorker contributors and other esteemed authors, visit selectedshorts.org or find us on your favorite podcast platforms.