George Saunders' Vigil: The Book Club Debate

George Saunders is back with Vigil, his first novel since Lincoln in the Bardo. In this episode, Kate is joined by fellow book podcasters Jenny King and Sarah Kemp from The Bookcast Club to discuss it

Given his back catalogue, does Vigil live up to the high expectations we have Saunders, one of America's most admired contemporary writers? Why is he so fond of writing about ghosts? Do death, redemption, capitalism and climate change make for an enjoyable read? Do we want novels to be enjoyable? Or do we want them to make a point?

We're also exploring Leo Tolstoy's classic novella The Death of Ivan Ilyich, cited by Saunders as a key influence on Vigil, and asks what both books reveal about how we live, how we die, and whether it's ever too late to change.

Along the way, Kate, Jenny and Sarah share recent reads, their love of a Kobo e-reader, and recommend books (and one film) following on from our book club read.

Books discussed

Vigil by George Saunders

The Death of Ivan Ilyich by Leo Tolstoy

Transcription by Ben Lerner

Almost Life by Kiran Millwood Hargrave

Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy

Beautyland by Marie-Helene Bertino

North Woods by Daniel Mason

Storyland by Catherine McKinnon

Plus a recommendation for the film Palm Springs.

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Timestamps

1:26 Recent Reads & Kobos – Bookshelf chat, Kobo e-reader enthusiasm, and current reads including Ben Lerner's Transcription and Kiran Millwood Hargrave's Almost Life.

11:54 About The Bookcast Club

14:41 Patreon Break

16:17 What Is Vigil? – Spiritual guide Jill escorts a remorseless fossil fuel tycoon toward death. Audiobook excerpt included.

22:16 Discussing Jill

28:22 Climate & KJ Boon

31:21 A Christmas Carol Parallels

34:16 Broader Reflections – Kate wonders if great writers can no longer make moral judgments in today's climate; Transcription raises similar questions.

35:54 Verdict on Vigil

38:30 The Death of Ivan Ilyich – Tolstoy's novella discussed as Saunders' cited influence.

43:00 Tolstoy the Man

48:36 Recommendations

52:42 Wrap-up

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