Pastoralia by George Saunders
I’d been avoiding Saunders based on some obtuse criticisms I’d read somewhere. I’ve found that just diving in with no preconceived expectations usually delivers the finest stories.
Saunders’ Pastoralia has a man working at a them park in a cave where he is forced to stay in character as a caveman, grunting and skinning dead goats for his food. He works primarily to have health care for his sick son. His co-worker Janet is not so willing to go along with the mandates and constantly airs her frustrations.
Since the boss requires evaluations to ensure an authentic park experience, the man is put in a tough spot but feels bad for Janet so is reluctant to report honestly. Janet is eventually fired after her drug addicted son shows up looking for money. She is subsequently replaced with a woman willing to go along with whatever it takes to toe the line
Janet is my kind of gal, not one to smile and nod and pledge allegiance to the company man. She knows her days are numbered, but she doesn’t care and can leave with her head held high.
The unnamed caveman represents the frustrations of many a corporate worker given unrealistic goals and then strongly enrouraged to report their coworkers for not following company rules that may or may not be reasonable.
Linda, the new cavewoman exemplifies the employee suck up who everyone hates, and yet who rises amont the ranks to the top for their unwavering fealty.
Quotes:
Because what is truth? Truth is that thing which makes what we want to happen happen. Truth is that thing which, when told, makes those on our team look good, and inspires them to greater efforts, and causes people not on our team to see things our way and feel sort of jealous.
Since learning that George Saunders and Jason Isbell have interviewed together, it would be bliss to meet with them both and hear how they approach their writings. Two extremely quirky and talented writers.
My rating for Pastoralia is a 9 out of 10.
Please share your own reviews or comments by using the Leave A Comment link below.
Next up…Philip Roth’s Operation Shylock…
Source: https://vsudia.wordpress.com/2026/07/18/pastoralia-by-george-saunders/
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