In his latest novel, “Transcription,” Ben Lerner’s protagonist accidentally drops his phone in the sink while traveling to Rhode Island for a crucial interview. The interviewee is Thomas, a 90-year-old mentor and the father of a university friend known for his intellect. Despite the phone mishap, the narrator proceeds with the interview, which is documented in the novel, albeit not by the phone.
Lerner, in a discussion on “Bookends with Mattea Roach,” shared that the protagonist revisits his school days and personal memories while preparing for what Thomas describes as an “exit interview,” marking the final recorded conversation with Thomas. The author elaborated on the novel’s exploration of how fiction can capture truth and the dual roles of being an artist and a parent.
When asked about why the narrator doesn’t admit to not recording the interview, Lerner suggested it could be due to a sense of embarrassment and a fascination with Thomas. The fear of losing the opportunity to record Thomas’s voice, as he nears the end of his life, may also drive the narrator’s actions. Lerner emphasized the novel’s theme of what fiction can convey that traditional recordings might miss.
Regarding the unique qualities fiction can capture, Lerner highlighted the book’s examination of various forms of media and how humans serve as conduits for transmitting messages and emotions. He noted the complexities and beauty that arise from human interpretation and transmission of information.
Exploring the dynamics between being a good mentor and a flawed father, Lerner shared his personal reflections on balancing artistic expression with parental responsibilities. He pondered the challenges of maintaining unpredictability in writing while being a dependable caregiver. Lerner acknowledged the tension between irony and authenticity in his work, emphasizing that irony can lead back to sincerity and contribute to genuine artistic expression.
In “Transcription,” Lerner aims to portray the irony of failed attempts at capturing voices while ultimately achieving a meaningful record through the novel itself. The narrative delves into themes of authenticity, human experience, and the interplay between irony and sincerity in artistic endeavors.