In the most recent novel by Ben Lerner, titled “Transcription,” the main character accidentally drops his phone into the sink while on a trip to Rhode Island for a crucial interview. The interview is with Thomas, a 90-year-old mentor and the father of a friend from university known for his brilliance. Despite not having a recording device, the narrator decides to proceed with the interview.
During the conversation documented in the novel, the phone fails to record. Lerner, in an episode of “Bookends with Mattea Roach,” shared that the narrator revisits his alma mater and personal memories while preparing for an “exit interview” with Thomas, which might be the last time Thomas speaks on tape.
Lerner elaborated on the narrator’s reluctance to admit the lack of recording equipment, attributing it to a sense of embarrassment and Thomas’s captivating presence. The fear of Thomas’s impending mortality and the significance of capturing his words on record also contribute to the narrator’s behavior.
The novel explores the power of fiction in preserving truth and delves into what writing can capture that conventional recording methods might miss. It reflects on the role of media, including modern devices like cell phones and older forms such as radios, paintings, and books, in conveying human experiences and emotions.
Lerner discusses the complexity of balancing artistic pursuits with parental responsibilities, emphasizing the tensions between creative freedom and the desire to be a reliable caregiver. He highlights the interplay between irony and authenticity in his work, noting that irony can lead back to sincerity and contribute to meaningful artistic expression.
