The Question of Romance

Unlocked pieces by Sigrid Nunez, Charles Simic, and Callie Siskel.

The Paris Review Redux: free interviews, stories, poems, and art from the archives of The Paris Review. View this email in your browser Hopelessly Devoted, 2017. From a portfolio by Alan Fears in issue no. 229. This week, we're unlocking three pieces from our archive that engage with the question of romance: our Art of Fiction interview with Sigrid Nunez, in which she observes that relationships can impede the ability to write; a poem by Charles Simic about the pain and humiliation of heartbreak; and a poem by Callie Siskel on a characteristically fraught college relationship. INTERVIEW The Art of Fiction No. 254 Sigrid Nunez   INTERVIEWER Does living alone help? NUNEZ Definitely. This is a hard thing to say, but it's absolutely true—when I think of the men I've been with, every one of them stood between me and my writing. Even when they were supportive, it didn't matter—too much of my energy went into the relationship, the problems, the difficulties of trying to make things work. And not all of them were supportive—sometimes there was deliberate sabotage. From issue no. 240 (Summer 2022) Best Buds, 2018. From a portfolio by Alan Fears in issue no. 229. POETRY The Escapee Charles Simic The name of a girl I once loved Flew off the tip of my tongue In the street today, Like a pet fly Kept in a matchbox by a madman— Gone! From issue no. 209 (Summer 2014) POETRY Narcissus Callie Siskel The man I loved wanted me in his bed, so I could tell him he was exceptional. There is a difference between Echo and the spring: one repeats, one colludes. In his childhood bed, we had sex, and I turned bright red. He said, "Someone had a good time," and I knew it was over.   From issue no. 246 (Winter 2023) Having A Great Time, 2018. From a portfolio by Alan Fears in issue no. 229. Copyright © 2024 The Paris Review. All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website. Our mailing address is: The Paris Review 544 West 27th Street 3rd Floor New York, New York 10001 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe, if you must.