In this episode of The New Yorker Fiction Podcast, Deborah Treisman interviews author David Means about his choice of Lorrie Moore's short story "Face Time," published during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Means discusses Moore's writing style, highlighting her humor, innovation, and poetic eye. The conversation explores the story's themes of loss, technology, and the absurdity of life during the pandemic, as well as the challenges of balancing humor with the emotional weight of the subject matter. Means reflects on the story's impact, its blend of confessional elements with imaginative fiction, and its lasting relevance beyond its historical context. The discussion also touches on the story's structure, the significance of the ending, and the sociopolitical commentary woven into the narrative.
