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Pastoralia

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( 23,518 ratings, 2,089 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Pastoralia by George Saunders is a collection of satirical and darkly humorous short stories that delve into modern life's absurdities. The tales explore themes of work, identity, and human connections in a bizarre, yet eerily familiar, world. Saunders' witty and poignant prose offers a sharp critique of contemporary society.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're drawn to satirical and darkly humorous stories that explore the absurdities of modern life. George Saunders' keen eye for detail and unique narrative style provide a thought-provoking and entertaining read.

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Pastoralia

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Pastoralia by George Saunders is a masterful collection of six stories that delves into the absurdities of contemporary life with surreal and darkly comic precision. Each story captures a fragment of a skewed version of modern America, blending reality with a twist of bizarre satire to reveal profound truths about human nature.

In the titular story, a couple struggle to maintain their sanity whilst working in a prehistoric-themed amusement park where they enact the lives of cave-dwellers. Their existence is a blend of mundane rituals and Kafkaesque absurdity, amplified by the draconian rules of their employers which forbid speaking and enforce rigid conformity.

Another story follows a luckless man attending a bewildering self-help seminar that urges him to "rid himself of all the people who are ‘crapping in your oatmeal’." This darkly humorous take on motivational culture critiques the shallow promises of self-improvement fads.

Elsewhere, a male exotic dancer and his family find themselves haunted by their decomposing aunt, who brings an eerie message from beyond the grave. This tale combines elements of horror with uproarious comedy, showcasing Saunders' unique ability to blend genres seamlessly.

With an uncanny mix of deadpan naturalism and irreverent humour, George Saunders creates characters who are simultaneously outlandish and poignantly relatable. Through these satirical stories, he explores themes of struggle, identity, and the often grotesque nature of the human condition.

Thomas Pynchon praises Saunders as "an astoundingly tuned voice — graceful, dark, authentic, and funny," and his acclaim is well-deserved. Pastoralia is a testament to Saunders' literary genius, delivering the kind of stories that resonate deeply with readers, offering both comic relief and thought-provoking insights needed to navigate the complexities of contemporary life.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Pastoralia by George Saunders has received high praise for its unique voice and blend of grace, dark humour, and authenticity. Reviewers note its sharp, satirical jabs that are both scary and touching, with inventive and unforgettable stories. The book is described as fiercely funny and sentimental in just the right places, with a sophisticated, artful style that makes the stories stand out.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781408870532

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 02 November 2017

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 150g

Pages: 208

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About the Author

George Saunders is the author of CIVILWARLAND IN BAD DECLINE, a finalist for the PEN/Hemingway Award and a NEW YORK TIMES Notable Book of the year. He teaches Creative Writing at Syracuse University.

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