Podcast Summary: The New Yorker: Fiction – "Likes" by Sarah Swan-lien Bynum

Episode Overview In the April 1, 2024 episode of The New Yorker: Fiction podcast, hosted by Deborah Treisman, listeners are treated to a profound exploration of Sarah Swan-lien Bynum's short story "Likes." The episode features a poignant reading of the story by David Bezmozgis, followed by an in-depth discussion with fellow author David Wizmosekis. This episode delves into themes of contemporary parenting, the influence of social media, and the complexities of father-daughter relationships in the digital age.

Story Background "Likes," published in The New Yorker in October 2017 and later included in Bynum's 2020 collection, presents a nuanced portrayal of a father's struggle to connect with his teenage daughter, Ivy, amidst the backdrop of a significant political election. The narrative weaves through Ivy's interactions with social media and her father's attempts to understand her evolving identity.

Reading of "Likes" David Bezmozgis delivers a heartfelt reading of "Likes," capturing the intricate emotions and silent tensions between the father and Ivy. The story navigates through mundane yet emotionally charged moments, highlighting the generational and emotional gaps exacerbated by technology.

Discussion Highlights

1. Choosing "Likes" and Appreciation for Bynum's Craft

   • Bezmozgis ([01:34]): "When you were deciding what to read today, you hesitated between two stories by Sarah Swanyan Bynum. Can you tell me what made you choose 'Likes' in the end, and also what just makes you a fan of her work in general?"
   • Wizmosekis ([01:47]): "It was kind of a superficial reason because they're both wonderful stories and she's excellent at writing children."
   • The discussion underscores Bynum's exceptional ability to depict children authentically, infused with "wry humor" ([02:14] Wizmosekis).

2. Character Analysis: The Father and Ivy

   • Wizmosekis ([02:23]): "She's very good at making kids feel like real people, not condescending and also giving them kind of a wildness."
   • The father, unnamed for much of the story, embodies contemporary parental anxiety, striving to bridge the emotional divide with his daughter Ivy through the lens of social media.
   • Bezmozgis ([03:31]): "The story feels very contemporary for parents of tween or teenage girls, which both of us are."

3. Impact of Social Media and Technology

   • Ivy's Instagram feed serves as a window into her curated public persona, which her father uses in an attempt to decode her inner world.
   • Wizmosekis ([04:35]): "The father is looking for clues in her Instagram feed, trying to understand her real self through what she chooses to present."
   • The conversation highlights the paradox of seeking authenticity in a platform designed for curated self-presentation.

4. Parental Anxiety and Contemporary Parenting

   • Wizmosekis ([40:56]): "It's more like what's wrong with him than what's wrong with her."
   • The father’s intense focus on Ivy’s well-being reflects a broader commentary on modern parenting pressures and the struggle to maintain personal identity while being deeply involved in a child's life.
   • Wizmosekis ([50:19]): "He is just the dad, and all his energy is channeled into mostly his daughter."

5. Symbolism and Narrative Techniques

   • The recurring motif of the garbled sign "life is always offered a second chance. It's called Tomorrow" symbolizes the dissonance between hope and despair.
   • Bezmozgis ([45:06]): "It's a dark moment where it doesn't feel like life is offering you a second chance."
   • Ivy’s physical expressions, such as pressing against the window, metaphorically represent emotional collisions and unresolved tensions.

6. Relevance to Recent Political Events

   • The story is set against the backdrop of a significant election, mirroring real-world political climates and their impact on personal lives.
   • Bezmozgis ([03:56]): "What is it about that election and what is it about the father's inability to understand his daughter that are these common elements."

7. The Title "Likes" and Its Multifaceted Meaning

   • The title encapsulates the dual significance of social media affirmations and the deeper emotional connections the father seeks.
   • Wizmosekis ([63:54]): "It really gets at the core of Dave's concern about language and the author's concern about language, too."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Wizmosekis ([02:14]): "These stories can be very, very funny."
• Bezmozgis ([03:31]): "The story feels very contemporary for parents of tween or teenage girls, which both of us are."
• Wizmosekis ([40:56]): "It's more like what's wrong with him than what's wrong with her."
• Bezmozgis ([45:06]): "It's a dark moment where it doesn't feel like life is offering you a second chance."
• Wizmosekis ([63:54]): "It gets at the core of Dave's concern about language and the author's concern about language, too."

Conclusion and Insights The discussion between Bezmozgis and Wizmosekis brings to light the enduring relevance of "Likes" in today's digital and politically charged environment. They explore how the story deftly captures the emotional turbulence of modern parenting, the elusive quest for understanding amidst curated online personas, and the subtle yet powerful ways technology shapes familial bonds. The narrative's balance between hope and despair, symbolized through visual motifs and character interactions, resonates deeply with listeners navigating similar dynamics in their lives.

The episode concludes with reflections on the universal themes of connection, communication, and the silent battles parents and children wage in the quest for mutual understanding. Both authors commend Bynum's skill in crafting a story that is both personal and universally relatable, making "Likes" a standout piece in contemporary fiction.

About the Contributors

• Sarah Swan-lien Bynum: An acclaimed author known for her insightful portrayals of family and personal relationships, Bynum's work has garnered numerous accolades, including being named one of The New Yorker’s 20 Under 40 fiction writers in 2010.
• David Bezmozgis: A filmmaker and writer, Bezmozgis is recognized for his acclaimed novels and short stories, which often explore themes of identity and displacement.
• David Wizmosekis: An award-winning author, Wizmosekis has been acknowledged for his rich storytelling and complex character development in both novels and short story collections.

Final Remarks Listeners are encouraged to explore more episodes of The New Yorker: Fiction podcast, available for download or subscription on platforms like Apple Podcasts. The episode not only offers a compelling reading of "Likes" but also provides a thoughtful and layered analysis that enriches the listener's understanding of the story's depth and contemporary significance.