George Saunders's new novel, "Vigil," is a ghost story about an oil tycoon confronting his legacy after being visited by spirits on his deathbed. Saunders's interest in ghost stories stems from their ability to convey a deeper truth about human existence and confront mortality. He suggests that the presence of memories of loved ones who have passed makes ghosts neurologically active.
A personal experience 25 years ago, when a plane he was on nearly crashed, intensified Saunders's awareness of death and the heightened appreciation for life that follows such an encounter. This feeling, described as euphoric, is something he seeks to replicate and explore in his writing.
Saunders, a MacArthur genius grant recipient and Booker Prize winner, is known for his satirical short stories, which often depict dystopian American society through a critical yet compassionate lens. He views writing as a "sacramental act," believing literature can foster empathy and self-transcendence in both writers and readers. He actively uses writing to expand his capacity for empathy, aiming for a perspective where "everyone is just me on a different day."
In "Vigil," a ghost character, Jill Blaine, practices "elevation," a philosophy suggesting that lives are predetermined by inherent dispositions, not free choices. Saunders poses this as a question for the reader, emphasizing that good fiction should provoke thought rather than provide definitive answers. He acknowledges his own "neurotic" and "OCD" tendencies, finding that writing helps quiet his "monkey mind."
Saunders grew up in Oak Forest, Illinois, and initially studied geophysical engineering. His early fiction was uninspired, but a dream-inspired story, "A Lack of Order in the Floating Object Room," marked a turning point, leading him to an MFA at Syracuse University. There, he met his wife, novelist Paula Redick, who he describes as a vital spiritual and creative partner.
After a period as a tech writer, he published his first short story collection, "CivilWarLand in Bad Decline," in 1996, and began teaching creative writing at Syracuse in 1997. He attributes his later success to incorporating humor into his work, an element he initially held back. He also runs a popular "Story Club Substack" that fosters positive community interaction.
Regarding politics, Saunders approaches the topic cautiously, preferring to explore complex perspectives through fiction rather than engaging in partisan debate. His motivation for "Vigil" was to explore whether individuals who suppressed climate change evidence experience regret. He aims to understand the motivations behind actions perceived as negative, striving for a nuanced portrayal of human complexity. He plans to continue creating "fictive worlds" to improve his thought and compassion.