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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.

Matt Ozug

See stories by Matt Ozug

Scott Detrow

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

See stories by Scott Detrow

Elena Burnett

See stories by Elena Burnett

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