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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