Read Recently “Civilwarland in Bad Decline” by George Saunders
Title: CivilWarLand in Bad Decline: Stories and a Novella
Author: Geroge Saunders
Synopsis: Saunder’s 1997 debut short story collection, (he’s published five books since) containing 6 tales and a novella. All are terrifying, absurd and hilarious. Imagine George Orwell and Terry Pratchett’s grinning love child.
Assessment: I’m not going to say George Saunders is for everyone. if you like your short stories grounded in realism, the problems of everyday people or the love affair grandmother had at the summer cottage all those years ago, move along, nothing to see here. But if you enjoy an author throwing one handful of foolishness at you after another (Jerry went to work. His boss was a fish. Jerry ate him. Then went home to his wife who had become a hyrax that afternoon) while never cracking a wink then grab this book immediately. It’s twisted, weird, scary but never at your expense. The spirit of these stories is magnanimous, even when they layer on cruelty like an overfrosted cake.
And Saunders refuses to let up. He doesn’t wave off the bruised dystopias he creates because there’s ironic brownie points to be gained by doing so. No he’s as committed to his fantastical worlds as Roald Dahl. Ask yourself then, if you picked up Roald Dahl blended with Blade Runner, would you be into that sort of thing?
Verdict: I was. Six of seven of these stories I’m calling modern classics. And given that this was the man’s first book, I’m working the other two of his I own into regular rotation. By the time he hits his stride he’ll be too brilliant for this earth.
Source(s): I read his children’s book The Brief and Frightening Reign of Phil some time ago, loved it, and bought this one soon after. Mr. Saunders’ editor at Riverhead is a friend who also has me on an early warning list.