The New Yorker: Fiction The New Yorker: Fiction

Paul Yoon Reads Fiona McFarlane

Jul 1, 2026 · 1h 5m

Summary

Deborah Treisman hosts Paul Yoon, who reads and discusses Fiona McFarlane’s story "Hostel." They analyze the narrative’s layered mysteries, the narrator’s jealousy of a couple’s seemingly perfect life, and the story’s connection to McFarlane’s collection *Highway 13*. The conversation explores themes of transient intimacy, the intrusion of evil, and the fragility of idealized relationships.

Topics discussed

Sponsor reads for Gusto, Hero, and Quince Introduction of Fiona McFarlane's story 'Hostel' Reading of 'Hostel' by Paul Yoon Sponsor read for Wayfair Discussion on narrative framing and mystery Analysis of the narrator's jealousy and loneliness Themes of evil, safety, and the horror movie aesthetic The ripple effects of violence and true crime fascination Concluding thoughts on storytelling and author bios Outro and sponsor read for ChatGPT
Listen ad-free on Castria