On December 10, 2025, George Saunders delivered the first public reading of his highly anticipated new novel, “Vigil,” during a session of his Story Club Substack. The date was symbolically selected to honor his previous work, which had garnered acclaim as a National Book Award finalist and a winner of the Story Prize. In his brief synopsis, Saunders described the story as unfolding on the last night of K.J. Boone, an elderly oil magnate and climate change denier, who experiences visits from a series of ghosts. Among them is Jill “Doll” Blaine, a young woman who tragically lost her life in the 1970s. As the narrative progresses, it delves into the profound question of whether a person can change at the end of their life.
Saunders’ reading highlighted his trademark inventive storytelling, which he has mastered throughout his literary career. In an engaging dialogue with Jane Ciabattari, he elaborated on the inception of “Vigil,” tracing its roots back to July 4, 2023. The idea sprang from reflecting on older climate change deniers and their detachment from the unfolding environmental crises that shaped the world around them. This contemplation led him to imagine Boone confronting denial and guilt, propelling the narrative forward.
From the very start, Saunders aimed to capture a voice rich with emotional resonance. The character of Jill evolves through improvisation, ultimately blending two distinct characters into a single, compelling narrator. Her perspective offers a poignant mix of nostalgia and wisdom, contrasting sharply with Boone’s stubborn denial.
The dynamics of the ghostly interaction in “Vigil,” such as Jill providing comfort to Boone, was revealed to be an organic development. Saunders emphasized his creative process involves a fluid interplay of improvisation and revision, whereby snippets of dialogue or character insights evolve through continual refinements. Jill’s journey serves not only as a comfort to Boone but also as a metaphorical confrontation with her past and the choices she made in life.
Touching on themes of regret, mortality, and the nature of self at the end of life, “Vigil” resonates with wide-ranging literary influences, including works such as James Joyce’s “The Dead” and Leo Tolstoy’s “The Death of Ivan Ilych.” These comparisons point to a deeper exploration of being and accountability that transcends individual narratives.
Supported by his trademark compassion and moral acuity, Saunders delves into complex characters who grapple with their legacies and the societal implications of their actions. With “Vigil,” he initiates a conversation about salvation and the possibilities of change, both in the context of personal morality and a greater environmental consciousness.
As the reading of “Vigil” invites dialogue about the inherent struggles of humanity in the face of existential dilemmas, it embodies Saunders’ powerful narrative flair, demonstrating his ability to reshape the contours of contemporary literature. Readers are left to reflect on their connections to the themes explored, affording hope that understanding and transformation, even at life’s end, remain attainable.
“Vigil” is published by Random House and promises to be a captivating addition to Saunders’ body of work, continuing his trajectory of profound and thought-provoking narratives.