'Tenth of December' by George Saunders is a collection of short stories that delve into the human experience, exploring themes of morality, social commentary, and the complexities of everyday life. The stories range from futuristic settings to contemporary scenarios, each offering a unique perspective on the human condition. Saunders' writing style is described as original, imaginative, and full of heart, with a touch of fantasy and science fiction elements that add depth and complexity to the narratives.

The characters in 'Tenth of December' are faced with moral dilemmas, ethical decisions, and societal pressures, all while navigating through a world that is both darkly comical and deeply thought-provoking. Saunders' storytelling genius shines through as he weaves together tales of compassion, humor, and introspection, leaving a lasting impact on readers with his inventive plots and engaging prose.

Characters:

The characters are deeply flawed yet relatable individuals navigating a world filled with moral ambiguity and personal struggles.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is distinctive, blending humor and pathos through innovative language and diverse narrative techniques.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around characters facing moral dilemmas and personal crises in modern society, revealing the complexities of human experience.

Setting:

The setting shifts between ordinary and dystopian environments, enhancing the exploration of moral themes.

Pacing:

The pacing is uneven, with a mix of quick narratives and deeper explorations of character psychology.

Say the staircase was marble. Say she descended and all heads turned. Where was {special one}? Approaching now, bowing slightly, he exclaimed, How can so much grace be contained in one small package? ...

Notes:

George Saunders is known for his impactful short fiction, often blending humor with deep emotional themes.

Many readers find Saunders' stories to provide a commentary on class and morality in modern America.

The title story, 'Tenth of December,' features an elderly man with terminal illness and a young boy, exploring themes of life and death.

'Victory Lap,' the opening story, depicts a potential kidnapping and the conflicting thoughts of the characters involved.

Saunders often writes about characters facing moral dilemmas in a contemporary or slightly dystopian setting.

His unique narrative style includes stream-of-consciousness elements and varying perspectives.

The collection features a mix of short stories that range from profound emotional experiences to surreal, absurd situations.

Many stories in the collection highlight how individuals navigate personal crises amid societal pressures.

'Escape from Spiderhead' explores themes of free will and manipulation through a futuristic lens involving pharmaceutical experiments.

Readers have expressed mixed reactions, with some captivated by the depth and others finding the themes too bleak.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Triggers/content warnings for Tenth of December include themes related to suicide, mental health issues, violence, and class struggle.

From The Publisher:

WINNER OF THE 2014 FOLIO PRIZE AND SHORTLISTED FOR THE NATIONAL BOOK AWARD 2013

George Saunders's most wryly hilarious and disturbing collection yet, Tenth of December illuminates human experience and explores figures lost in a labyrinth of troubling preoccupations. A family member recollects a backyard pole dressed for all occasions; Jeff faces horrifying ultimatums and the prospect of DarkenfloxxTM in some unusual drug trials; and Al Roosten hides his own internal monologue behind a winning smile that he hopes will make him popular. With dark visions of the future riffing against ghosts of the past and the ever-settling present, this collection sings with astonishing charm and intensity.

Ratings (27)

Incredible (9)
Loved It (9)
Liked It (3)
It Was OK (4)
Did Not Like (1)
Hated It (1)

Reader Stats (47):

Read It (26)
Want To Read (15)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (5)

2 comment(s)

maxbud723

Incredible

2 months

Interactive humor. Plays around with what you know, what you don’t know, and what you’d really really like to know.

cornut571

Loved It

6 months

“Why were we made just so, to find so many things that happened every day pretty?”

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About the Author:

George Saunders is the author of nine books, including the novel Lincoln in the Bardo, which won the Man Booker Prize, and the story collections Pastoralia and Tenth of December, which was a finalist for the National Book Award. He has received fellowships from the Lannan…

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Tenth of December

George Saunders