The Paris Review, Issue 249

by Emily Stokes (Editor), Kelley Deane McKinney (Managing editor), Harriet Clark (Senior editor)

Rosmarie Waldrop on the Art of Poetry: “It puzzles me that people say my work is difficult. If you read it, it’s very simple.”

Javier Cercas on the Art of Fiction: “Hell, to me, is a literary party.”

James Schuyler on Frank O’Hara: “I still can see Frank, standing on that street corner outside a pastry shop, holding a neatly tied-up box of God knows what—éclairs, perhaps.”

Prose by Josephine Baker, Caleb Crain, Marlene Morgan, Morgan Thomas, and Fumio Yamamoto.

Poetry by Hannah Arendt, Matt Broaddus, Sara Gilmore, Benjamin Krusling, Mark Leidner, James Richardson, and Margaret Ross.

Art by Ayé Aton and Ron Veasey, and cover by Sterling Ruby.

Genres: Poetry, Short Stories, Fiction, American

259 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2024

Reviews

[Jose Carpio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Converted me into a Fumio Yamamoto fanboy

[cass krug]

was considering getting a subscription even though i had never read one of these, decided to buy a copy first to see if it was worth it. glad i did that - i’m not at a point where i need a subscription. respect and appreciate what they’re doing, but i think i’m better off purchasing these only if there’s something that catches my interest.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5-2.75
The three interviews were so thought-provoking that I wish this entire art review was just those, but longer. While I’m unfamiliar with Waldrop and Schuyler’s work, their words and expressions have led me to follow up on their writing. Javier Cercas’ interview—despite him being a longtime favorite author of mine—funnily enough, challenged my willingness to dive into postmodern authors without a strong background in classic literature. He later countered this himself in his own interview, stating that it’s all about finding the connection between the authors and their work—if that connection is real, then time spent on them is never wasted. All three interviews offer some of the most beautiful perspectives on literature in the modern world, how it has been consumed in the past, and the environments that led these writers to be recognized for their art.

It’s a shame that the editors placed such raw and gorgeous perspectives next to some of the most mediocre poems and stories I have ever read. This is why people hate modern art. If I have to Google a poet to understand why they’ve simply listed famous Black names and called it a poem, then the piece isn’t serving the purpose they think it is. Without looking anything up, it’s clear that the statement could be interpreted as a commentary on how only a few Black figures are recognized for their contributions—figures who helped shape some of the greatest Black movements in history—now placed in an industry that has historically been exclusionary, like the magazine world. But Black writers in the past have delivered some of the most breathtaking poetry in these very editions. Overall, the stories and poems in this issue felt lazy.

The only story that redeemed this edition was Naked by Fumio Yamamoto. I cried. This short story explored humanity on its smallest scale while resonating with people worldwide. Japanese literature often focuses on small, unnoticed lives and presents them in a way that makes readers feel less alone, and Naked did exactly that. I wish this story had been placed last, following Cercas’ interview, to leave the reader with the ability to analyze it through his insights on fiction.

I enjoyed a solid 70% of this edition—the other 30% made me want to quit reading. Thank god I didn’t, because Yamamoto shot to the top of my reading list so fast.

[Blue · Rating 4 out of 5]

the interviews were the best part, the poetry was mid, and the stories were pretty average except for one or two

[Coco]

The interviews and Josephine Baker translation were stellar.

[Kira L'Dante · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm convinced that painfully boring writers like Caleb Crain are the exact reason why so much of the modern readership has jumped ship to genre fiction. Why the fuck do they keep publishing this dweeb?

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really liked Naked by Fukui Yamamoto, will buy the rereleased English translation of her collection when it comes out in July. Thought the other three fiction stories were all strong as well. First Tour of the old World did drag a bit for me but on second reading I came around.

[Margaret Laprarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bought this on a whim last fall when I decided I wanted to get back into magazines and finally got around to reading it. I really enjoyed it! The poetry was just okay, but I really enjoyed most of the stories and interviews. Maybe I’ll pick up more from time to time.

[Julian · Rating 4 out of 5]

The short story, Naked by Fumio Yamamoto really stood out, as well as the poem Business Plan by Mark Leidner.

I always enjoy the interviews with authors. Like a small window into another way of thinking about and viewing the world.

[Olegs Tkacevs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the interviews

[Raffael Hirt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three great stories, two interviews with authors of whom I'll read a book

[Tammas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great interviews, stories were not so much my vibe this time.

[Timothy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good issue, the poetry was the weak link but the stories and the interviews were fantastic

[Ben Wasson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interviews were great. Mostly forgettable stories, but this magazine is always posted here months after it has actually been released, so that might be the fault of time

[Erik]

Favorite in this issue, by a long shot: “Naked” by Fumio Yamamoto. I can’t wait to read “Dilemmas of Working Women” next year.

[Paul Besley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Paris Review. A great way to discover new writers and reconnect with old ones.

[ayelet · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Giulia Giordano · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really loved the interview with Josephine Baker!!! I just adore the way that she speaks and describes her experiences , 5/5 interview

[Dieuwke · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVE the story by Fumio Yamamoto (translated by Brian Bergstrom)

[Kurishin · Rating 4 out of 5]

As has become usual, the poetry and art are excellent. The short stories are the wild card and they were solid in this one.

[estefania ortiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

mi nueva obsesión