The New Yorker: Fiction Podcast – Episode Summary: "Lauren Groff Reads Elizabeth Hardwick"

Release Date: August 1, 2025

Podcast Information:

• Title: The New Yorker: Fiction
• Host/Author: Deborah Treisman, fiction editor at The New Yorker, in collaboration with WNYC Studios.
• Description: A monthly reading and conversation with The New Yorker's fiction editor, Deborah Treisman, featuring prominent writers who select and discuss stories from The New Yorker's archives.

Introduction

In this episode of The New Yorker: Fiction, host Deborah Treisman welcomes acclaimed author Lauren Groff to read and discuss Elizabeth Hardwick's story, "The Faithful." Lauren Groff, renowned for her insightful fiction and seven published books including Delicate Edible Birds and the National Book Award finalist Fates and Furies, brings her deep appreciation and analytical prowess to the conversation.

Notable Quote:

Lauren Groff [00:05]: "It's one of those touchstone books for me, for sure."

Pre-Reading Insights

Before diving into the reading, Treisman and Groff engage in a thoughtful discussion about Elizabeth Hardwick's novel Sleepless Nights, which "The Faithful" is a part of. Groff emphasizes her profound connection to the work, having read it "at least fifteen times" and describing it as a "jewel" that reveals new layers with each reading ([01:05]).

Key Points:

• Structural Innovation: Groff highlights the novel's constellated structure, lacking a traditional plot arc, which allows each chapter to stand independently while collectively portraying the depth of Hardwick's experiences ([01:31]).
• Autobiographical Elements: She suggests that the novel, while fictional, feels intimately connected to Hardwick's own life, particularly noting the "deep wound" that permeates the narrative, evoking feelings of longing and yearning ([02:26]).
• Literary Comparisons: Groff draws parallels between Sleepless Nights and other plotless narratives like Jo Brainard's I Remember and Aniel Nod’s Lesnes the Years, noting their focus on aspects "slightly out of reach" for the reader ([03:26]).

Notable Quote:

Lauren Groff [01:29]: "It's like a jewel. Right. You turn it in the hand, you find something radically new and different and strange."

Reading Overview

Lauren Groff proceeds to read "The Faithful" by Elizabeth Hardwick, which transports listeners to Amsterdam in 1951. The story intricately weaves the lives of Dr. Z, his wife Madame Z, and Simone, a dedicated painter, exploring themes of infidelity, memory, and the lingering shadows of World War II.

Post-Reading Analysis

After the reading, Treisman and Groff delve into a rich analysis of the story, unpacking its complex layers and thematic depth.

Structure and Themes

Groff praises Hardwick's linguistic mastery, noting how the language and rhythm establish a distinct sensibility that immerses readers in the characters' experiences without relying on a conventional plot structure.

Notable Quote:

Lauren Groff [03:39]: "It's sort of a constellation. It's very much a book that reminds me of..."

Autobiographical Parallels

The discussion touches on the autobiographical elements of Sleepless Nights, drawing connections between Hardwick's life and the characters' experiences. Groff speculates that Hardwick may have used the trio of Dr. Z, Madame Z, and Simone to indirectly explore her own emotional landscape, particularly her tumultuous relationship with Robert Lowell.

Notable Quote:

Lauren Groff [04:12]: "It's very much a book that reminds me of... an endless series of doors."

Character Analysis

• Dr. Z: Portrayed as a complex figure balancing professional success with personal turmoil. Groff admires his resilience and ability to find happiness amid suffering, despite his flawed interactions with the women in his life.

  Notable Quote:

  Lauren Groff [52:09]: "I love him even though he's a cat. I really do, because he was in a death camp."

• Madame Z: Represents a form of passive endurance, contrasting with Simone's fiery independence. Her eventual rebellion and subsequent vulnerability highlight the strains of prolonged infidelity and emotional neglect.

  Notable Quote:

  Lauren Groff [51:55]: "She's taking her revenge by becoming drunk, which is a very terrible revenge in some ways."

• Simone: An artist embodying independence and resilience, Simone challenges Dr. Z's pattern of infidelity by asserting her own identity and autonomy.

  Notable Quote:

  Lauren Groff [50:31]: "She's an artist. [...] She's the only one who truly insists on her own identity as separate from his."

Themes of Faith and Infidelity

The title "The Faithful" is explored through various dimensions of faith—religious, personal, and narrative. Groff interprets the story as an exploration of codependency and commitment, even amidst betrayal and emotional turmoil.

Notable Quote:

Lauren Groff [72:05]: "At the end, they're faithful. [...] There's the faith of the narrative."

Historical Context

Hardwick's narrative is deeply embedded in the post-World War II Amsterdam setting, reflecting the lingerings of war's aftermath on personal and societal levels. The characters' interactions are influenced by their historical traumas, adding a layer of complexity to their relationships.

Notable Quote:

Lauren Groff [54:49]: "I think she works wonders with her subtext. [...] boiling up right under a very thin surface."

Language and Sensibility

Both Treisman and Groff laud Hardwick's prose for its texture and rhythmic flow, which convey profound emotional and historical undertones without overt exposition.

Notable Quote:

Lauren Groff [63:15]: "It's the buried heartbreak... the fragmented memory."

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Treisman reflecting on Elizabeth Hardwick's legacy as a critic, essayist, and fiction writer, highlighting her notable works such as The Ghostly Lover, Simple Truth, and Sleepless Nights. Lauren Groff shares her admiration for Hardwick's masterful storytelling and linguistic elegance, expressing a desire for Hardwick to have written more.

Notable Quote:

Lauren Groff [65:31]: "Her writing is so unbelievably beautiful and smart. Nobody can write like that."

The podcast episode not only showcases Lauren Groff's exceptional reading but also offers a deep analytical dive into Hardwick's work, making it a valuable listen for enthusiasts of literary fiction and insightful literary discussions.

About the Guests:

• Elizabeth Hardwick (1916-2007): A distinguished American literary critic, essayist, and fiction writer known for her incisive analysis and elegant prose.
• Lauren Groff: An acclaimed contemporary novelist, known for her richly textured narratives and exploration of intricate human emotions.

Further Listening: Listeners can explore more episodes of The New Yorker: Fiction featuring readings and discussions with authors like Colson Whitehead, Shirley Jackson, and Alice Monroe by subscribing to the podcast on various platforms.

This summary encapsulates the key points, discussions, and insights from the podcast episode "Lauren Groff Reads Elizabeth Hardwick," providing a comprehensive overview for those who have not listened to the episode.