VIGIL by George Saunders ⭐⭐⭐

Like many things out there beyond my complete comprehension, this book escapes precise description. Saunders is one of the greats, even when it’s not a five-star read. This had some of his writing flair, but felt more a rehash of other work in a smaller, looser form.

I read somewhere this is a purposefully philosophical tale (I was supposed to go to his speaking event in Seattle right after starting the book, but it was postponed so I couldn’t confirm this), which takes the edge off of trying to grasp a seamless narrative. It’s got his signature voice—a little playful, but sharp when it wants to be—and his way of using the afterlife to take us places we wouldn’t normally go if we stuck to the living. I just love the way he writes people, especially as they look back at existence and contemplate what it all meant.

It’s written very dream-like, the “elevated” characters drifting through both objects and backstories and giving us a lot to ponder. It’s also one of the more inventive ways of discussing climate change, from all fresh perspectives. What a brilliant topic to pair with morality and consequence.

I can see some maybe not loving it, especially when compared to something like Lincoln in the Bardo. It’s like an appetizer of similar themes, spiced up with some new ones but never really nailing down the clarity needed to win over the masses. At least it’s brief, so the commitment isn’t drastic. It’s an easy way to explore one of the best writers of our time, if you have an open mind, while also padding your reading goal numbers. But there are better books by him to reach for first.