George Saunders Reads Claire Keegan

In this episode of The New Yorker Fiction Podcast, Deborah Treisman interviews George Saunders about his choice of Claire Keegan's short story, "So Late in the Day." Saunders expresses his admiration for Keegan's careful and deliberate writing style, noting how her stories reward multiple readings and lack errant details. The discussion delves into the story's tension, the main character Cajal's misogyny and potential for growth, and the complexities of the character Sabine. They analyze specific scenes, highlighting Keegan's skillful use of language and character development, and explore the story's themes of denial, awareness, and the possibility of change. Saunders admits his initial hesitation to read the story himself due to the use of a specific word, but acknowledges its perfect fit within the narrative.