The New Yorker: Fiction Podcast – Episode Summary

Title: Greg Jackson Reads Jennifer Egan
Host: Deborah Treisman
Guest Reader: Greg Jackson
Release Date: March 1, 2024

Introduction

The New Yorker: Fiction is a monthly podcast featuring a reading and conversation with Deborah Treisman, the fiction editor at The New Yorker. In this episode, titled "Greg Jackson Reads Jennifer Egan," guest reader Greg Jackson delves into Jennifer Egan's compelling short story, "Safari," originally published in The New Yorker in January 2010 and later included in Egan's acclaimed novel A Visit from the Goon Squad.

Reading of "Safari"

Greg Jackson, known for his story collection Prodigals and the novel Dimensions of a Cave (2023), presents a poignant and intricate narrative in his reading of "Safari." The story navigates the complex dynamics of a family and their interactions with others on a three-week safari, exploring themes of memory, time, and human relationships against the backdrop of the African wilderness.

Note: The full text of "Safari" is not reproduced here, respecting copyright laws.

Post-Reading Discussion

After the reading, Deborah Treisman engages Greg Jackson in an insightful discussion about the story, Jennifer Egan's literary prowess, and the broader themes encapsulated within "Safari." Below are the key points and notable quotes from their conversation.

1. Greg Jackson’s Introduction to Jennifer Egan

Greg reflects on his first encounter with Egan's work through "Safari," expressing profound admiration for her storytelling capabilities.

Greg Jackson [02:14]: "There’s something very moving about her work. So this was where it began. And yeah, I am a big fan."

He highlights the scope of Egan's narratives, emphasizing how she masterfully intertwines multiple characters and timelines within concise storytelling.

2. Structural Mastery in "A Visit from the Goon Squad"

Deborah and Greg discuss how "Safari" serves as both an independent story and a chapter within Egan's novel, showcasing her ability to craft interconnected tales that stand alone yet contribute to a larger narrative.

Greg Jackson [04:40]: "I think those themes are very present in 'Safari' as well."

They commend the meticulous construction of the story, noting its emotional depth and the layering of language and metaphors that reward repeated readings.

3. Themes of Memory and Time

A significant portion of their discussion centers on how "Safari" intertwines memory with the passage of time, portraying characters grappling with their past and its indelible impact on their present.

Greg Jackson [44:10]: "Memory is almost, in a way, a little bit like storytelling. It's sort of active and immediate and has a kind of organic quality."

They explore the character Rolf's obsessive memory as both a burden and a driving force, contrasting it with the story's use of flashforwards that reveal the characters' futures, thereby deepening the narrative's exploration of time.

4. Character Dynamics and Structural Interactions

Deborah and Greg delve into the complex relationships between characters, highlighting how each person's actions are influenced by underlying structural desires and competitive instincts.

Greg Jackson [64:10]: "It's very much driven by Lou's competitiveness, his need to win."

They discuss how characters like Lou, Mindy, and the children navigate their desires and frustrations, often misdirecting their behaviors in ways that reflect broader anthropological and ethological themes.

5. The Role of the Birdwatchers

The enigmatic birdwatchers in "Safari" serve as almost omniscient observers, embodying the story's thematic exploration of watching and being watched.

Greg Jackson [55:01]: "They are sort of floating spirits or as you said, they're standards for the reader."

Their minimal dialogue and mysterious presence enhance the story's depth, providing a subtle commentary on observation and the nature of storytelling itself.

6. Animal Metaphors and Ethological Frames

Egan's use of animal behavior as a metaphor for human interactions is a focal point of the discussion, with Greg drawing parallels between character actions and animalistic instincts.

Greg Jackson [71:03]: "There's this omniscient vision that the story gives us is very much one like that kind of David Attenborough documentary."

This comparison underscores the deterministic elements in the characters' lives, suggesting that their fates are as fixed as those in a nature documentary.

7. Narrative Techniques: Flashforwards and Perspective Shifts

The incorporation of flashforwards is analyzed as a tool that deepens the emotional resonance of the story, allowing readers to witness the characters' futures and the irreversible impact of their present actions.

Greg Jackson [57:33]: "The future, the unwritten future that lies ahead of characters in most stories... is foreclosed by knowing where they're going to go."

This technique contrasts with traditional flashbacks, adding a layer of inevitability and poignancy to the narrative.

8. Character Development and Resolution

The discussions touch upon the characters' journeys, particularly emphasizing Charlie's and Rolf's paths toward maturity and the unresolvable tensions that define their relationships with their father, Lou.

Greg Jackson [67:40]: "Unlatching yourself from environment, family, sexual or libidinal impulses."

While some characters achieve a semblance of liberation from their deterministic roles, others like Rolf remain trapped, highlighting the story's exploration of personal agency versus structural constraints.

Conclusion

Deborah Treisman and Greg Jackson conclude the discussion by reflecting on the enduring impact of "Safari" and its place within both Jennifer Egan's body of work and the broader literary landscape. They emphasize the story's intricate balance between character-driven narratives and thematic depth, showcasing Egan's unparalleled ability to intertwine memory, time, and human emotion within a compelling and thought-provoking framework.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Greg Jackson [02:14]: "There’s something very moving about her work. So this was where it began. And yeah, I am a big fan."

• Greg Jackson [44:10]: "Memory is almost, in a way, a little bit like storytelling. It's sort of active and immediate and has a kind of organic quality."

• Greg Jackson [57:33]: "The future, the unwritten future that lies ahead of characters in most stories... is foreclosed by knowing where they're going to go."

• Greg Jackson [71:03]: "There's this omniscient vision that the story gives us is very much one like that kind of David Attenborough documentary."

• Greg Jackson [64:10]: "It's very much driven by Lou's competitiveness, his need to win."

This episode offers a rich exploration of Jennifer Egan's "Safari," providing listeners with a deeper understanding of the story's complexities and the literary craftsmanship behind it. For those interested in nuanced character studies and thematic storytelling, this discussion offers valuable insights into one of contemporary literature's standout works.