Why 'Vigil' author George Saunders often revisits death in his work

By Matt Ozug,

Scott Detrow, Elena Burnett

Published January 27, 2026 at 5:24 PM EST

NPR's Scott Detrow speaks with author George Saunders on his latest novel Vigil, and why he finds himself revisiting death in his work.

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Matt Ozug

Scott Detrow

Scott Detrow is a White House correspondent for NPR and co-hosts the NPR Politics Podcast.

Elena Burnett