The Moth Podcast: Adam Gopnik – “Charlie Ravioli”

Release Date: November 13, 2012

Introduction

In the episode titled “Charlie Ravioli,” renowned New Yorker staff writer Adam Gopnik shares a heartfelt and introspective story that intertwines family dynamics, the essence of New York City, and the imaginative world of childhood. Told live in 2010 at the Mothball, Adam’s narrative delves deep into personal experiences, offering listeners a blend of humor, poignancy, and profound insights.

Dedications and Inspirations

Adam begins by dedicating his story to two significant figures in his life:

1. His Daughter, Olivia: An 11-year-old who not only inspires the story but also serves as its check and balance. Adam affectionately mentions, “Olivia… is a very grown-up and beautiful girl. And she’s given me permission to tell this story” (01:37).

2. Calvin Trillin: A literary influence whose writings about New York family life in the 1970s inspired many, including Adam and his family, to move to the city. “Because it was Trillin, really, who back in the 1970s wrote all of these wonderful pieces about family life in New York,” Adam reflects (01:37).

Moving Back to New York City

After spending several years abroad in France, Adam and his wife Martha decided to return to New York City around the year 2000. Their primary motivation was to provide their children with the unique childhood experiences that New York offers, contrasting them with less vibrant environments like Paris. Adam shares:

“We wanted our children to have not the experience that kids have growing up in Paris… We wanted them to have that kind of light-footed, spring-hearted sense of ownership that New York children seem to us to have” (01:37).

The Tragedy and Doubt

Shortly after their return, a significant tragedy struck the city—implied to be the events of September 11, 2001. This incident cast a long shadow over their lives, making them question whether New York was still the right place to raise their family. Amidst this uncertainty, Olivia introduced them to her imaginary friend, Charlie Ravioli.

Introducing Charlie Ravioli

Olivia, then three years old, created an imaginary friend named Charlie Ravioli. Initially, Charlie seemed like a quintessential Manhattan character:

• Residence: “the corner of Lexington and Madison” (05:15)
• Lifestyle: Lives on “grilled chicken and water” – a nod to the stereotypical New York diet.

However, Charlie’s defining trait was his perpetual busyness. Olivia frequently reported interactions with him that always ended abruptly, leaving her wanting more connection.

The Unusual Nature of Charlie

Adam’s wife, Martha, noticed something peculiar about Charlie’s interactions:

“We realized that she had invented an imaginary friend who was always too busy to play with her” (06:45).

This anomaly prompted Adam to consult his sister, a developmental psychologist, who reassured him that while imaginary friends are common, Charlie’s perpetual busyness was unusual. “Her imaginary friend growing up in Manhattan would be always too busy, would be a creature of interrupted occasions,” his sister explained (09:20).

The Evolving Story of Charlie Ravioli

As time progressed, Olivia's interactions with Charlie became more elaborate:

• Adventures: She released animals from the zoo, drove taxis, and even entertained at nightclubs while searching for Charlie.
• Metaphor for New York: Charlie embodied the “spirit of attainment” and the endless possibilities that the city represents. Adam muses, “Ravioli was also her hero, her demigod, her fictional version of the endless possibilities in New York” (12:30).

Reflections on Family and City

Through Olivia’s imaginary friend, Adam and Martha found solace and understanding about their love for New York. Despite contemplating a move away due to the tragedy and the ensuing uncertainty, Olivia’s bond with Charlie reaffirmed their desire to stay. Adam concludes:

“When I was being bombarded with real estate literature from Connecticut… I knew that we could stay in New York because I understood that all we really wanted from this city… was to go on bumping into Charlie Ravioli as long and as often as we possibly can” (14:00).

Notable Quotes

• Adam Gopnik on Olivia’s Permissible Storytelling: “She’s given me permission to tell this story” (01:37).

• Sister’s Insight on Imaginary Friends: “That’s completely normal… If they live on mountaintops, they have imaginary friends who are made of clouds” (08:10).

• Adam on Charlie’s Symbolism: “Ravioli was also her hero, her demigod, her fictional version of the endless possibilities in New York” (12:30).

Conclusion

Adam Gopnik’s “Charlie Ravioli” is a touching exploration of how children’s imaginations mirror and make sense of the adult world around them. Through Olivia’s interactions with her busy imaginary friend, Adam and Martha find reaffirmation of their choice to embrace the dynamic, ever-evolving spirit of New York City. This story not only highlights the intrinsic connection between family and place but also underscores the resilience and hope that define both.

About Adam Gopnik

Adam Gopnik is a celebrated staff writer for The New Yorker and the author of several insightful books, including Paris to the Moon and The Table Comes Family, France and the Meaning of Food. His storytelling prowess is further showcased in his book Through the Children’s Gate, which features a chapter on Charlie Ravioli.

Supporting The Moth

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Timestamps

• 00:00 - 01:08: Advertisements and introductions
• 01:37: Adam Gopnik begins his story
• 05:15: Description of Charlie Ravioli’s character
• 06:45: Recognition of Charlie’s unusual busyness
• 08:10: Consultation with Adam’s sister on imaginary friends
• 12:30: Reflection on Charlie as a symbol of New York’s spirit
• 14:00: Adam concludes his narrative