Story perspectives

George Saunders Wins Medal, Explores Art's Questions in New Novel

1/10/2026

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Summary

Story summary

George Saunders, the American writer and Syracuse University teacher, received National Book Foundation’s medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters last fall.
His new novel, Vigil, explores determinism and personal responsibility through two characters with opposing views.
Saunders notes that art should present questions rather than provide answers.
He reflects on his writer’s journey, acknowledges flaws, and champions kindness echoed in his 2013 speech and book Congratulations, by the Way.

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Story summary

George Saunders, the American writer and Syracuse University teacher, received National Book Foundation’s medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters last fall.
His new novel, Vigil, explores determinism and personal responsibility through two characters with opposing views.
Saunders notes that art should present questions rather than provide answers.
He reflects on his writer’s journey, acknowledges flaws, and champions kindness echoed in his 2013 speech and book Congratulations, by the Way.