The Booker Prize-winning author of Lincoln in the Bardo joins Richard Ayoade to reveal an astonishing new tale of life and death, good and evil.

George Saunders is one of the undisputed masters of American letters; a storyteller whose wisdom, insight, and humanity have been rewarded with the highest accolades in literature.

He returns to How To Academy to reveal Vigil; his first novel since his debut, Lincoln in the Bardo, catapulted him into the stratosphere of literary acclaim. Joined in conversation by comedian, author, and film director Richard Ayoade, George will confront the biggest issues of our time with his trademark humour and warmth as he asks: who else could we be but exactly who we are?

Not for the first time – in fact, for the 343rd time – Jill ‘Doll’ Blaine finds herself crashing down to earth, head-first, rear-up, to accompany her latest charge into the afterlife. She soon realises however that this man is not quite like the others.

For powerful oil tycoon K.J. Boone will not be consoled, because he has nothing to regret. He lived a big, bold life, and the world is better for it… isn’t it?

As death approaches, a cast of worldly and otherworldly visitors arrive. Crowds of people and animals – alive and dead – materialise, birds swarm the dying man’s room, and associates from decades past show up, all clamouring for a reckoning.

Presented by How To Academy.

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