The New Yorker: Fiction - Episode Summary

Title: David Wright Falladay Reads Madeleine Tien
Release Date: April 1, 2025
Host/Author: Deborah Treisman, Fiction Editor at The New Yorker; Guest: David Wright Falladay

Introduction

In this episode of The New Yorker: Fiction, host Deborah Treisman engages in an in-depth conversation with author David Wright Falladay about Madeleine Tien's short story "Reshaping," which originally appeared in The New Yorker in December 2021. David Wright Falladay, known for his novels Black Cloud Rising and The New Internationals, provides his insightful analysis of the story, exploring its themes, character dynamics, and underlying symbols.

Reading of "Reshaping"

David Wright Falladay delivers a compelling and emotionally charged reading of Madeleine Tien's "Reshaping." The story centers around Lou, a dedicated procurement professional navigating the complexities of her personal and professional life as an immigrant woman in Canada. Themes of identity, control, and the struggle against societal stereotypes permeate the narrative, painting a nuanced portrait of Lou's internal and external conflicts.

Discussion Highlights

1. Subtlety and Emotional Depth

David Wright Falladay emphasizes the story's subtlety, noting, “...the things she's not saying sort of come off the page in these really subtle ways that sort of aggregate cumulate so that by the end, the sort of depth of feeling just pops.” This understated narrative style allows readers to feel the profound emotional undercurrents without overt declarations.

Deborah Treisman concurs, highlighting how "quiet stories" can evoke powerful emotions: “They're quiet stories, but they're so felt to me as a reader.”

2. Character Analysis: Lou

Lou, the protagonist, is portrayed as a complex individual striving to assert her identity amidst cultural and professional constraints. David observes, “...Lou's deliberate attempt to try to manage that and maybe control that,” referring to her desire to change how she is perceived.

Lou's multifaceted relationships, including her marriages and affairs, reveal her quest for agency and personal fulfillment outside the defined roles imposed by society.

3. Themes of Control and Agency

A central theme is Lou's struggle for control over her own image and life. David Wright Falladay interprets the title and opening lines as indicative of Lou’s desire to change her "shapes" and "skins" to better manage how others perceive her: “...the notion of changing skins or changing shapes seems to have to do with that."

4. Symbolism: Ball of Wax and Balloon

The story employs rich symbolism to convey Lou's internal turmoil:

• Ball of Wax: Represents the panic attacks Lou experiences, symbolizing the pressure and constraints she feels. David remarks, “...the ball of wax and the string... pulls it out,” suggesting an attempt to extract and confront her fears.
• Balloon Tied to a Wrist: Symbolizes Lou's roles and responsibilities that tether her, preventing her from "floating away freely." Deborah interprets this as Lou being tied to her roles as a mother and wife, while David views it as a metaphor for the balance between her responsibilities and her desire for freedom.

5. Interaction with Colleagues and Societal Stereotypes

Lou's interactions at work reveal underlying racial and gendered stereotypes. David points out, “...they're seeing her. They want to imagine from the stereotype, submissive Asian woman,” highlighting how Lou is pigeonholed by her colleagues, affecting her professional growth.

Despite her competence, Lou remains overlooked for promotions, primarily due to these biased perceptions. Her relationship with John Sadler, marked by an affair, further complicates her professional standing, showcasing the intersection of personal vulnerabilities with workplace dynamics.

6. Familial Relationships and Legacy

Lou’s relationships with her daughters reflect her struggle to provide a better life while grappling with her own unfulfilled dreams. The regret she feels over her inability to live freely is mirrored in her interactions with her children, who represent both her legacy and the hope for her descendants to transcend her limitations.

Notable Quotes

• Lou's Desire for Transformation:
  “If I could give you a pill that would change your whole life, let you go back in time and fix things and maybe be a whole other person, would you take it? Of course. Seriously, all my life I've wanted to change shapes, change skins. That was my dream when I was your age.”
  (00:01:39)

• David on Lou's Assertiveness:
  “Despite feeling vulnerable, she then asserts she acts. And so the way you're reading it resonates. It resonates with me.”
  (04:34)

• Lou's Reflection on Shame:
  “She laughs until her eyes become watery, thinking of the sea. She must have muttered some of this aloud because her small daughter giggled, shouting, I’m ballooning.”
  (07:15)

Concluding Insights

David Wright Falladay lauds Madeleine Tien’s ability to craft a story that is both immediate and deeply layered, appreciating how Tien leaves much unsaid, allowing readers to engage actively with the narrative. He commends Lou as a heroic figure, adeptly navigating societal constraints while maintaining her sense of self and agency.

Deborah Treisman echoes this sentiment, praising the rich characterization and symbolic depth that make "Reshaping" a standout piece in Tien's repertoire. The conversation underscores the power of short fiction to encapsulate complex emotional landscapes through nuanced storytelling.

Conclusion

This episode offers a profound exploration of Madeleine Tien's "Reshaping," enriched by David Wright Falladay's thoughtful analysis. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of the story's themes, character motivations, and the intricate balance between personal desires and societal expectations. The discussion highlights the enduring relevance of Tien's work in portraying the immigrant experience and the universal quest for identity and autonomy.

Notable Time Stamps:

• Introduction to the Episode: 01:06
• David's First Impressions of "Reshaping": 02:03
• Reading Begins: 05:37
• Discussion on Themes and Symbolism: 44:13 - 78:58
• Conclusion of Discussion: 79:33 - 80:54