Publication Date: January 27, 2026
Print Length: 177 pages
Previous Author Publications:
- A Swim in the Pond in the Rain (2021)
- Lincoln in the Bardo (2017)
- Tenth of December (2013)
- Civilwarland in Bad Decline (1998)
- Pastoralia (2000)
SYNOPSIS
In George Saunders’ latest novel, Vigil, an angel named Jill is assigned to ease the end-of-life passage of an oil tycoon, named K.J. Boone who is dying of cancer. While Jill’s mission is to comfort Boone, a competing spirit tries to have Boone to account for his attacks on climate change science and the chaos his actions have caused. Yet, the ghosts find themselves challenged by Boone’s egotistical defense of his actions. Building on Buddhist principles, Saunders explores themes related to corporate greed, a quest for absolution and how our lives impact those around us.
REVIEWS AND AUTHOR INFORMATION
Garner, Dwight, “George Saunders Serves a Heavy Helping of Virtue in a New Novel.” The New York Times, January 26, 2026. Book Review: ‘Vigil,’ by George Saunders – The New York Times.
Corrigan, Maureen, “George Saunders’ ‘Vigil’ is a brief and bumpy return to the Bardo.” NPR, January 29, 2026. ‘Vigil’ review: George Saunders’ brief, bumpy return to the Bardo : NPR.
Silcox, Beejay, “Vigil by George Saunders review – will a world-wrecking oil tycoon repent?” The Guardian, January 21, 2026. Vigil by George Saunders review – will a world-wrecking oil tycoon repent? | Fiction | The Guardian.
Olson, Eric, “Author George Saunders on moralism, humor and new novel ‘Vigil..’ The Seattle Times, Author George Saunders on moralism, humor and new novel ‘Vigil’.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Does Saunders’ retelling of Charles Dickens’ The Christmas Carol’ portray the oil tycoon, K.J. Boone as a sympathetic character who can be redeemed for the actions he took during his life?
What do you think about Jill questioning whether the actions we take in life are pre-determined by our circumstances?
How should we view our lives when we are on our death bed? Is this the time to acknowledge our ill deeds and vow to make amends?
Do those who have committed crimes deserve compassion when they assume personal responsibility for their actions?
