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George Saunders Captivates Chicago Audience with 'Vigils' Discussion

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  Published in House and Home on Wednesday, February 11th 2026 at 18:40 GMT by Chicago Tribune
      Locales: Illinois, UNITED STATES

Chicago, IL - February 11, 2026 - George Saunders, the celebrated author and two-time Man Booker Prize winner, captivated a packed audience at the University of Chicago last night with a discussion centered around his newest release, Vigils. The event wasn't just a book promotion; it was a poignant homecoming for Saunders, a lifelong Chicagoan who frequently cites the city, particularly its South Side, as a foundational influence on his work.

Vigils, already generating significant buzz, is a departure in some ways from Saunders' previous acclaimed short story collections like Tenth of December and CivilWarLand in Bad Decline, but retains the author's signature blend of satire, empathy, and piercing social commentary. Described as a blend of science fiction and philosophical inquiry, the novel delves into the increasingly relevant themes of grief, the pervasive influence of technology on human connection, and the often-fraught complexities of family dynamics. While details of the plot remain intentionally veiled in pre-release marketing, early reviews suggest the novel employs a near-future setting to explore how we cope with loss and find meaning in a world increasingly mediated by screens and algorithms.

Saunders' connection to Chicago is deeply personal. Raised on the South Side, he spoke eloquently and with visible emotion about the neighborhood's impact on his formative years. "I could never not be a South Side of Chicago guy," he stated, drawing a warm ripple of applause from the audience. He painted vivid pictures of a working-class community filled with resilient characters, complex relationships, and a palpable sense of shared experience. He explained how observing the struggles and triumphs of his neighbors, the everyday dramas unfolding around him, instilled a deep sense of empathy and a keen eye for the absurd - qualities that are hallmarks of his writing.

During the event, Saunders offered a rare glimpse into his creative process. He described his approach to storytelling not as a deliberate construction of plot, but as a process of "listening" to the characters and allowing their voices to guide the narrative. He emphasized the importance of avoiding judgment and striving to understand the motivations, even the flawed ones, of his fictional creations. "I'm not trying to tell people what to think," he explained, "but rather to encourage them to feel and to consider different perspectives." This philosophy extends to his world-building, particularly in Vigils, where the futuristic setting serves not as a gimmick, but as a vehicle for exploring timeless human concerns.

He also discussed the challenges of writing about grief, a central theme in Vigils. He acknowledged the difficulty of capturing the raw, messy reality of loss without resorting to cliche or sentimentality. Saunders spoke about researching grief through personal accounts and striving for authenticity in his portrayal of characters grappling with profound sorrow. He suggested that technology, while often blamed for isolating us, can also provide new avenues for connection and support in times of need - a nuanced perspective explored in the novel.

The Q&A session following his prepared remarks was lively and insightful. Audience members, ranging from aspiring writers to long-time fans, asked questions about Saunders' influences, his writing habits, and his views on the future of literature. He revealed a surprising fondness for classic science fiction authors like Philip K. Dick and Ursula K. Le Guin, praising their ability to blend imaginative world-building with profound philosophical inquiry. He also acknowledged the influence of short story masters like Flannery O'Connor and Raymond Carver, noting their mastery of concise prose and their ability to capture the essence of human experience in a few carefully chosen words.

Saunders' return to Chicago felt less like a promotional event and more like a conversation with a trusted friend. He spoke with honesty, humility, and a genuine passion for his craft, reminding everyone in attendance of the power of storytelling to connect us, challenge us, and ultimately, to help us make sense of the world around us. Vigils promises to be another compelling addition to his already impressive body of work, and a testament to the enduring influence of his Chicago roots. The book is slated for release next week and is expected to quickly climb the bestseller lists.