About this episode
George Saunders discusses his cultural influences and literary works with John Wilson.
The Booker Prize winning American author George Saunders talks to John Wilson about his cultural influences. He made his name as a writer of satirical or absurdist short stories which often explore contemporary consumerist society, always underpinned with a strong sense of human compassion and empathy. In 2017, his first full length novel Lincoln In The Bardo - about Presidential grief amid a cacophony of spiritual voices - won the Booker Prize and became a global bestseller. His latest novel Vigil once again explores death and the afterlife. George Saunders teaches creative writing at Syracuse University, New York, and is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in American literature. Producer: Edwina Pitman
People in this episode
Host: John Wilson
Guest: George Saunders
Topics covered
- literature
- cultural influences
- satirical writing
- human compassion
- death and afterlife
Keywords
- George Saunders
- Booker Prize
- satirical stories
- Lincoln In The Bardo
- Vigil
- creative writing
- American literature
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Syracuse University, BBC Radio 4
Books & works: Lincoln In The Bardo, Vigil
More episodes of This Cultural Life
- Liam Young · June 11, 2026 · 43 min
- Kristin Scott Thomas · June 4, 2026 · 43 min
- Felicity Lott · May 21, 2026 · 42 min
- Michael Frayn · May 14, 2026 · 43 min
- Lubaina Himid · May 7, 2026 · 43 min
- Robert Icke · April 30, 2026 · 43 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the This Cultural Life podcast page.