Pastoralia

In his second short story collection, George Saunders twists and amplifies elements of contemporary life into a slightly skewed version of modern America. A couple work in a caveman theme park where speaking is a punishable offence. A born loser attends a self-help seminar where he is encouraged to rid himself of all the people who are 'crapping in your oatmeal'. And a male exotic dancer's family are terrorised by a decomposing aunt who visits from beyond the grave. With a combination of deadpan naturalism and uproarious humour, Saunders creates a world that is both indelibly original and hauntingly familiar. 

By George Saunders