Atomic Marriagefeatures the author at her sharpest, ruminating on the age-old institution with wit and empathy.
But theres a twist: Its an Audible Original, meaning its a short story for your ears.
There are so many ways that technology [affects] our behavior, Sittenfeld explains.
Credit: Colin McPherson/Corbis via Getty Images; Marion Curtis/Starpix/REX/Shutterstock; Audible
The potential timeliness of a story… makes a perfect literary form for this moment.
Equally important toAtomics words isthe voicebehind them:Diane Lane, who serves as the storys recorder.
Curtis writing really grabbed me, says Lane.
I enjoyed expressing the inner workings of whats inside someone elses unspoken mind.
EW caught up with Sittenfeld and Lane for background on how this project came together.
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: Curtis, lets start with the origins of this project.
What was the appeal of writing a short story to be exclusively listened to?
DIANE LANE:Atomic Marriageis not too long.
Its honest, emotionally intimate, and easy to visualize.
[Sittenfeld is] gifted at creating the visual, as well as the internal experience.
The mercurial nature of our memories and how they define our internal experience is immediate.
The story, listened to, is about an hour.
SITTENFELD:What isnt the optimal setting?!
This is a funny, relatable exploration of marriage.
What does it say about the institution?
LANE:Long-term relationships have moments of regret or disappointment that are benchmark.
Diane, can you talk about how you approached the recording?
Theres a lot of humor and heart, so it requires some range.
Finally, Curtis, what does Diane bring to your words?
It was exciting to hear my words in her elegant, versatile voice.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
