Yiyun Li on Fiction with Little Space for Illusion
Briefly

"Techniques and Idiosyncrasies" centers on Lilian's annual checkup, revealing the complex interplay between patient and doctor. The narrator reflects on the inherent imbalance of this relationship, where familiarity meets vulnerability in a sterile environment. The introduction of a new nurse, Tina, heightens this tension, leading readers to question Tina's intentions and the ambiguous impact of her presence on Lilian. The story connects to Lilian’s previous experiences of grief and isolation, suggesting that even mundane settings can evoke profound emotional responses and reflections on connection and alienation.
Lilian's annual checkup in a doctor's office illustrates an uncomfortable intimacy between patients and medical staff, capturing the tension and vulnerability inherent in these interactions.
The presence of the new nurse, Tina, adds an unsettling element to Lilian's experience, prompting questions about intention and emotional impact within their interactions.
The contrast between Lilian's past escape in 'The Particles of Order' and her current reality emphasizes how proximity to her former life alters her emotional state.
This story highlights how small interactions in a clinical setting can evoke deeper feelings of isolation and connection, reflecting on human vulnerabilities that go unnoticed.
Read at The New Yorker
[
|
]