George Saunders's latest novel is a ghost story, one that forces its protagonist, an oil tycoon, to confront his legacy and grapple with the consequences of his actions. But what draws Saunders to this genre? He says it's because ghosts "are in fact here" - a nod to the idea that our memories of loved ones who have passed can be just as present as if they were still with us. A ghost story, he argues, can feel more truthful than other forms of storytelling because it forces its characters (and readers) to confront their own mortality.
Saunders's own experiences with death and loss have undoubtedly shaped his writing on the subject. In 1996, he was on a plane that was hit by geese shortly after taking off from Chicago, an experience that left him shaken but also changed. He recalls feeling "pure terror" as he realized he might not survive, yet at the same time felt a sense of wonder and awe. This fear, coupled with his Tibetan Buddhist faith, helped him to approach death in a more profound way.
Saunders's writing often explores themes of mortality, morality, and the human condition. His ghost stories are particularly effective because they allow characters (and readers) to confront these big questions in a literal way - by stepping into each other's minds. In his latest novel, Vigil, this is done through the character of Jill Blaine, a young woman who died on her wedding day and now haunts the mind of her killer.
For Saunders, the power of ghost stories lies in their ability to encourage empathy and understanding. By putting himself in the shoes of others (even those who have wronged us), he hopes to reveal the complexities of human nature and challenge our assumptions about right and wrong. It's a delicate balance, one that requires humor, compassion, and a willingness to confront our own biases.
As someone who has written extensively on politics and social justice, Saunders is acutely aware of the challenges facing our country in this moment. He acknowledges that his own views are not always straightforward, but he believes that fiction can provide a unique lens through which to explore these issues - one that allows readers to consider multiple perspectives and empathize with characters they might otherwise dismiss as adversaries.
Ultimately, Saunders's writing is driven by a desire to connect with others on a deeper level. He sees his work as a form of "mental health therapy," one that helps him quiet the inner critic (his "monkey mind") and tap into a more compassionate, expansive sense of self. As he puts it, "that person, through working every day, can become a slightly more interesting person."
Saunders's own experiences with death and loss have undoubtedly shaped his writing on the subject. In 1996, he was on a plane that was hit by geese shortly after taking off from Chicago, an experience that left him shaken but also changed. He recalls feeling "pure terror" as he realized he might not survive, yet at the same time felt a sense of wonder and awe. This fear, coupled with his Tibetan Buddhist faith, helped him to approach death in a more profound way.
Saunders's writing often explores themes of mortality, morality, and the human condition. His ghost stories are particularly effective because they allow characters (and readers) to confront these big questions in a literal way - by stepping into each other's minds. In his latest novel, Vigil, this is done through the character of Jill Blaine, a young woman who died on her wedding day and now haunts the mind of her killer.
For Saunders, the power of ghost stories lies in their ability to encourage empathy and understanding. By putting himself in the shoes of others (even those who have wronged us), he hopes to reveal the complexities of human nature and challenge our assumptions about right and wrong. It's a delicate balance, one that requires humor, compassion, and a willingness to confront our own biases.
As someone who has written extensively on politics and social justice, Saunders is acutely aware of the challenges facing our country in this moment. He acknowledges that his own views are not always straightforward, but he believes that fiction can provide a unique lens through which to explore these issues - one that allows readers to consider multiple perspectives and empathize with characters they might otherwise dismiss as adversaries.
Ultimately, Saunders's writing is driven by a desire to connect with others on a deeper level. He sees his work as a form of "mental health therapy," one that helps him quiet the inner critic (his "monkey mind") and tap into a more compassionate, expansive sense of self. As he puts it, "that person, through working every day, can become a slightly more interesting person."
Like, who hasn't felt that sense of wonder and awe when thinking about our own eventual demise? It's actually kinda comforting to confront those feelings head-on. And I love how he says his writing is like mental health therapy for him - it sounds like a really beautiful way to connect with others on a deeper level 
. His writing isn't just about scaring readers or making them feel uneasy; it's about making us confront our own demons, literally and figuratively 
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. And let's be real, who doesn't need a little mental health therapy now and then? 
I love how George Saunders is using ghost stories to explore some really deep themes like mortality, morality, and empathy! 
The way he encourages us to put ourselves in others' shoes (even if they've done something wrong) is just so powerful. 
. I mean, who doesn’t have their own biases and assumptions? 
But Saunders does it without being preachy or heavy-handed, which is really refreshing 
. And the way he uses humor and compassion to make us see things from other people's perspectives is just genius 
. I think that's what makes his writing so powerful – it's like a form of therapy for your mind 
. but what i love most about saunders is that he uses his writing to encourage empathy and understanding - like, who doesn't need a little more compassion in their life? 
. And don't even get me started on the whole mortality thing - it's just a way to make us feel all existential and anxious 
. Give me something that'll actually change my life for once 
it's like, you can't even plan for the unexpected anymore. but at the same time, there's this sense of wonder and awe that comes from facing your own mortality... it's like, what if we're all just floating around in this universe, waiting to be called home?
. saunders' writing always makes me feel like i'm experiencing something real and raw, even if it's not based on my own life experiences. and that's what art is all about, right? connecting with others on a deeper level... even if it's just for a few hours 
. And I think what really resonates with me is how he uses ghost stories to encourage empathy and understanding - it's like he's saying "hey, put yourself in someone else's shoes" 
. For me, as someone who loves reading and writing about politics and social justice, Saunders's approach feels like a breath of fresh air 
. He's not afraid to confront the tough questions and challenge our assumptions, but he does it with a sense of humor and compassion that makes it feel more accessible and relatable 
. His writing always makes me think about my own mortality and all the what-ifs that come with it. And I'm not just talking about the ghostly encounters – I mean, the way we treat others, too. He's all about empathy and understanding, but also keeping us on our toes when it comes to morality 
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However, as much as I appreciate Saunders's desire to encourage empathy and understanding, I do wonder if his views on politics and social justice are always as nuanced as he presents them. I'm all for fiction providing a unique perspective, but sometimes it feels like we need more concrete solutions than just exploring the human condition through storytelling 
just read that george saunders's plane was hit by geese in 1996 lol what are the chances? but seriously though, it's crazy how his experiences with death & loss have influenced his writing. and yeah, ghost stories do feel super real right? like, they can be more truthful than other forms of storytelling cuz they make you confront your own mortality 
