David Sedaris Reads George Saunders

In this episode of The New Yorker Fiction Podcast, host Deborah Treisman interviews author David Sedaris about his choice of George Saunders' short story "Love Letter." Sedaris explains why the story resonated with him so deeply, comparing it to Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery" in its ability to reflect the human condition during a specific time. They discuss the story's setting in a near-future dystopia and its prescience in light of contemporary political events, including the aftermath of Donald Trump's presidency. Sedaris shares his interpretation of the grandfather's character and the story's themes of courage, discretion, and the normalization of the unacceptable. Both discuss Saunders' skill in blending humor and sadness to create a powerful and thought-provoking narrative.