Private Passions - George Saunders, writer

George Saunders, writer

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The American writer George Saunders won the 2017 Booker Prize with his first novel, Lincoln in the Bardo. It’s a moving exploration of the grief of President Lincoln as he mourns his 11-year-old son Willie – and it’s voiced by the weird and wonderful spirits trapped in the cemetery.

George was 58 when the novel was published. In the decades before that, he won renown and awards as a master of the short story. He’s also won legions of followers for his close analysis of the form.

Most recently he’s published a second novel, Vigil, in which spirits return – this time to the deathbed of an oil tycoon.

His musical choices include John Adams, William Grant Still, Caroline Shaw and Dvorak.

Producer: Katy Hickman

Published on Sunday, 15th March 2026.

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