The Lonely Voice

In the story “Clara” by Roberto Bolaño, a man tells the story of a woman he knew in his youth. Over three decades later, he hasn't forgotten her. The story is riddled with tells that reveal that he's carried the memory of her around with him for all that time. What is the hold she has on him all about?

Peter Orner and Yvette Benavides discuss “Oh, Joseph, I'm So Tired" by Richard Yates. It's a story narrated by a man looking back on his childhood during the Depression. He recalls difficult moments that are brutally honest but told with a tender acceptance of what was.

Acclaimed writer ZZ Packer joins Peter Orner and Yvette Benavides to discuss “Gold Coast” by James Alan McPherson.

Yvette Benavides and Peter Orner welcome internationally renowned cartoonist, Ricardo Siri— known professionally as Liniers—to discuss “Bartleby, the Scrivener,” by Herman Melville.

The two lovers in this story are a very attractive man and the homeliest woman he has ever known. It might be surprising to some of our listeners out there that the relationship depicted here in this very strange story can be relatable. Can it? Yes. That's the way it is with stories.

Breece D'J Pancake died young in 1979 at age 26 but since then he has continued to be considered a great American story writer. Peter Orner and Yvette Benavides discuss two stories by this native of West Virginia.

Peter Orner and Yvette Benavides discuss "New Year's Eve," a short story by Mavis Gallant.

Peter Orner and Yvette Benavides discuss a sad story that makes them happy—"Stolen Pleasures" by Gina Berriault.

Peter Orner and Yvette Benavides discuss Franz Kafka's "The Judgment."

On this episode of The Lonely Voice, Yvette Benavides and Peter Orner offer a brief tribute to Alice Munro and discuss her story "Illinois" from The View from Castle Rock.

On this episode of The Lonely Voice, Yvette Benavides and Peter Orner discuss Sherwood Anderson's story “Death in the Woods.”

The Lonely Voice: Yvette Benavides and Peter Orner discuss one of Mavis Gallant's most beloved stories, 'The Ice Wagon Going Down the Street.'

Peter Orner and Yvette Benavides welcome special guest, internationally acclaimed cartoonist Liniers (Ricardo Siri) to discuss two stories by Jorge Luis Borges.

Peter Orner and Yvette Benavides discuss two stories by Luica Berlin—"Strays" and "Step."

Peter Orner and Yvette Benavides discuss Denis Johnson's story "Steady Hands at Seattle General."

Peter Orner and Yvette Benavides discuss "Cryptology" and "Murderers" by Leonard Michaels

Peter Orner and Yvette Benavides discuss "Lonesome Road" by Gina Berriault.

Peter Orner and Yvette Benavides discuss two stories by Grace Paley—"Goodbye and Good Luck" and "Living."

The Lonely Voice is hosted by acclaimed author Peter Orner and TPR contributor Yvette Benavides. The podcast is inspired by their shared passion for the short story. On each episode they discuss a story, raise interesting questions, share details about the author's life and more. Listeners will feel like they are eavesdropping on a couple of people who really love stories.