In Ben Lerner’s most recent book, “Transcription,” the protagonist accidentally drops his phone in 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 university friend known for his brilliance. Despite not having a recording device, the protagonist proceeds with the interview. The novel portrays the conversation, even though the actual recording does not exist.
Lerner discussed on an episode of “Bookends with Mattea Roach” how the protagonist revisits his school days and memories while also preparing for what Thomas describes as a final interview. This interview with Thomas, who is nearing the end of his life, would be the last time he speaks on tape.
The protagonist’s reluctance to admit he is not recording the interview may stem from a sense of embarrassment in front of his esteemed teacher and a fascination with Thomas’s influence. The fear of acknowledging Thomas’s mortality and the significance of capturing his last words on record play a role in the protagonist’s actions.
The novel explores the idea that while the interview is not captured on a device, it is preserved through fiction. It delves into what aspects of human experience and emotion can be conveyed through storytelling that may not be captured by technology.
Lerner also delves into the theme of mentorship and fatherhood in the novel, reflecting on the challenges of balancing artistic pursuits with parental responsibilities. The tension between being creatively unpredictable in writing and being a reliable caretaker as a father is a central theme that resonates with Lerner’s personal experiences.
The irony present in Lerner’s work aims to lead back to sincerity. The failures and shortcomings depicted in “Transcription” are ironized by the book itself, which manages to capture and convey meaningful insights despite these imperfections.