Summary of "The New Yorker: Fiction" Podcast Episode: Yiyun Lee Reads William Trevor

Podcast Information:

• Title: The New Yorker: Fiction
• Host/Author: WNYC Studios and The New Yorker
• Description: A monthly reading and conversation with the New Yorker fiction editor Deborah Treisman.
• Episode: Yiyun Lee Reads William Trevor
• Release Date: May 1, 2025

1. Introduction to the Episode

Speaker: Yiyun Lee ([01:06]–[01:57])

Yiyun Lee, a renowned author with eight books of fiction, introduces the episode where she will read and discuss William Trevor's short story "The Piano Tuners Wives," originally published in The New Yorker in October 1995. Yiyun highlights Trevor's prolific contribution to the magazine, noting his 50 published stories between 1977 and 2018.

2. Guest Introduction and Background

Speakers: Yiyun Lee and Belle ([01:25]–[04:22])

Yiyun welcomes her guest, Belle, who shares her deep admiration for William Trevor's work. Belle explains how Trevor's fiction served as her mentor, shaping her own writing style. She recounts how a fan letter led to a meaningful correspondence and eventual friendship with Trevor, who praised her novella "Kindness" as "flawless" ([03:16]). Belle further describes Trevor's meticulous nature, honed from his training as a sculptor, which is reflected in his detailed storytelling.

3. Reading of "The Piano Tuners Wives"

Speaker: Yiyun Lee ([05:10]–[43:54])

Yiyun Lee delivers a poignant reading of William Trevor's "The Piano Tuners Wives." The story centers on Owen Drumgood, a piano tuner who marries Violet when he is young and subsequently marries Belle when he is older. Despite Violet's death, Owen remains emotionally tied to her, creating a complex dynamic with Belle, who harbors deep-seated jealousy and envy towards Owen's first wife. The narrative delves into themes of love, loss, memory, and the haunting presence of the past.

4. Post-Reading Discussion

a. Opening Reflections

Speakers: Yiyun Lee and Belle ([43:54]–[73:26])

Yiyun and Belle begin by examining the story's impactful opening lines:

"Violet married the piano tuner when he was a young man. Belle married him when he was old." ([05:10])

Belle praises Trevor's ability to encapsulate the entire story in these brief lines, highlighting his confidence and subtle humor. She notes how these lines set the tone for the ensuing emotional turmoil.

b. Themes Exploration

• Love and Jealousy: Belle discusses Belle's envy of Violet, describing it as more intense than mere jealousy. She explains how Belle's envy blinds her, preventing her from moving forward ([54:27]).

• Memory and the Past: The lingering presence of Violet affects Owen's marriage to Belle. Yiyun observes that the story portrays a love triangle where Violet's memory overshadows Belle's role, creating unresolved tensions.

• Character Development:

  • Belle: Portrayed as a character unable to let go of past grievances, Belle's jealousy and envy lead her to destructive behaviors. Her inability to mature emotionally is evident as she struggles to reconcile her feelings ([55:55]).
  • Owen Drumgood: Owen remains emotionally tethered to Violet, unable to fully commit to his marriage with Belle. His actions reflect a deep-seated need for companionship and an unresolved attachment to his first wife.
  • Violet: Though deceased, Violet's influence permeates the story, symbolizing the idealized past that Belle cannot attain.

c. Narrative Techniques and Symbolism

• Nonlinear Timeline: The story spans from 1951 to the 1990s, showcasing the stagnation in the village and the characters' lives.

• Symbolism of Objects: Items like the piano, television, and Belle's sheepdog Maggie symbolize change, adaptation, and the struggle to move forward.

• Cyclical Structure: The repetition of themes and motifs at the end of the story mirrors the unresolved conflicts introduced at the beginning.

d. Notable Quotes and Analysis

• Belle on Trevor's Influence:

  "He wrote back. He said it was flawless. That comment, I only got it once in my life." ([02:40])

• On the Opening Lines:

  "He had the confidence, but also he had this sort of sly humor, saying these two lines tell you the story, but there's a little more to that." ([48:15])

• On Belle's Envy and Inaction:

  "She cannot move on from that envy." ([54:27])

• On the Violent Resolution:

  "Belle would win in the end because the living always do. And that seemed fair also, since Violet had won in the beginning and had had the better years." ([43:54]–[44:30])

5. Critical Insights and Interpretations

Speakers: Yiyun Lee and Belle ([73:26]–[75:39])

Yiyun and Belle delve deeper into the story’s ending, discussing the notion of victory and loss. Belle interprets Belle's "win" not as a true triumph but as a hollow assertion over her own insecurities and the lingering presence of Violet. They ponder whether Belle truly achieves anything meaningful or merely perpetuates her own despair by holding onto the past.

Belle emphasizes Trevor’s mastery in portraying internal conflicts and unspoken violences:

"The quiet moments are the most devastating ones." ([72:28])

Yiyun agrees, noting that Trevor captures the profound struggles that lie beneath the surface of everyday life, making the story both haunting and emotionally rich.

6. Conclusion

Yiyun and Belle conclude the discussion by reflecting on William Trevor's unique storytelling ability. They highlight how his subtle, yet powerful narratives reveal the depths of human emotion and the complexities of interpersonal relationships. The episode encapsulates Trevor's talent for creating enduring, thought-provoking fiction that resonates long after the story ends.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Belle on Trevor as a Mentor:

  "[02:03] Belle: Personally, I learned writing by reading his fiction, so I always considered him a mentor on the page."

• Trevor’s Praise for Belle’s Work:

  "[03:16] Belle: He wrote back. He said it was flawless. That comment, I only got it once in my life."

• On Belle's Struggle with Envy:

  "[54:27] Belle: I just thought it was the punishment of blindness. It's a punishment for her to bear."

• On the Story's Violent Resolution:

  "[70:06] Yiyun Lee: That memory. And I just thought that's the most violent thing you can do to a man."

• Reflection on Trevor’s Storytelling:

  "[72:28] Belle: When they say quiet writer, it means Belle didn't pick up a knife to do something."

Final Thoughts: This episode of "The New Yorker: Fiction" offers a profound exploration of William Trevor's "The Piano Tuners Wives," enriched by Yiyun Lee's evocative reading and Belle's insightful analysis. The discussion unpacks the intricate emotional layers and thematic depth of the story, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of Trevor's narrative prowess and the enduring impact of his work.