In this episode Matthew Hernandez discusses Isabel Allende’s ‘An Act of Vengeance.’ Matthew explores the story’s complex themes of vengeance, forgiveness, and the surprising ways trauma can shape the human heart. This isn’t a typical literary dissection; it’s a meandering conversation – much like the story itself – about the difficulty of letting go of the past, the potential for transformation, and the blurred lines between obsession and love. Matthew's reflections aren't polished analyses, but rather raw, unfiltered reactions, mirroring the story’s fragmented feel. We delve into the Senator’s corruption, Rosa’s enduring pain, and the unsettling twist of a love story emerging from a scene of violence.

Matthew grapples with the story's unsettling questions: Can vengeance truly bring resolution? What role does forgiveness play in healing? And can a profound connection blossom even amidst the darkest of circumstances? This episode is a reminder that sometimes the most profound stories are found not in grand narratives, but in the quiet moments of reflection and emotional reckoning. Join Matthew as he explores the story's ambiguities – and invites you to consider your own experiences with trauma, forgiveness, and the enduring power of the human spirit. Read or listen to this story in English or Spanish: https://catdir.loc.gov/catdir/samples/random043/2002026424.html https://www.uv.mx/lectores/escritos-cortos/una-venganza-isabel-allende/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsNusB2faqQ https://bookshop.org/p/books/short-stories-by-latin-american-women-the-magic-and-the-real-dora-alonso/44e752417259a15e?ean=9780812967074&next=t

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In this episode, Matthew Hernandez explores John Updike’s ‘Twin Beds and Roam,’ a story that delves into the seemingly insignificant details of a couple’s vacation in Rome. This isn't a typical literary dissection; it’s a meandering conversation – much like the story itself – about the complexities of relationships, the frustrations of travel, and the deeply personal anxieties that can simmer beneath the surface.

Matthew's reflections aren't polished analyses, but rather raw, unfiltered reactions, mirroring the story’s fragmented feel. We explore Richard Maples’ persistent aches, Joan’s empathetic responses, and the frustrating realities of travel, particularly the feeling of being subtly ripped off.

This episode is a reminder that sometimes the most profound stories are found not in grand narratives, but in the quiet moments of everyday life. Join Matthew as he grapples with the story's implications – and invites you to consider your own experiences with frustration, connection, and the surprising ways we define ourselves. Listen to the story here: https://the-new-yorker-fiction-4473086b.simplecast.com/episodes/roger-angell-reads-john-updike-pG0Ao0O8

Read the story here: https://rufictionfa14.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/twinbedsinrome_updike_settingdriven.pdf

Buy this story and others here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-maples-stories-john-updike/c859b3061b3eca2d?ean=9780307271761&next=t

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Today, Matt Hernandez dives headfirst into John Updike’s “A&P,” a seemingly simple snapshot of a supermarket that packs a powerful punch. Matt’s not just offering an interpretation; he’s grappling with the story's layers of observation, performance, and unspoken tensions, much like he’d do with Carol Shields’ “Scenes.” He’s inviting you to join in, exploring questions like: What does it mean to ‘quit’? How much of our behavior is performative? And what do a supermarket and a teenager have in common?

Like exploring a new grocery store, Matt considers the story’s details – the three girls in bathing suits, Sammy’s boss, the act of ‘I quit’ – and links them to larger themes of American culture, generational differences, and the anxieties of the modern workplace. Just like in ‘Scenes’, this story is a single scene that sparks contemplation and invites us to examine our own behaviors and perspectives. Join Matt as he dissects this story, prompting you to consider your own interpretations and experiences. Because just like a grocery store, it's never just a simple transaction." PDF to this story: https://www.sevanoland.com/uploads/1/1/8/0/118081022/a_p.pdf Listen to the story with commentary: https://the-new-yorker-fiction-4473086b.simplecast.com/episodes/allegra-goodman-reads-john-updike-csxd_T6k This story and others by John Updike are featured in Pigeon Feathers And Other Stories: https://bookshop.org/p/books/pigeon-feathers-and-other-stories-john-updike/083a6d1631dffedd?ean=9780679645764&next=t

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