ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

George Saunders on His New Novel "Nachtwache" and a Dying Oil Tycoon's Ghost

publication · 2026-10-22

George Saunders's latest novel, "Nachtwache," centers on a ghost who visits a dying oil tycoon. The plot premise was discussed with the author over breakfast in Manhattan. The interview was published by Süddeutsche Zeitung under the title "Ich will immer nur eine ganz kleine Idee." Saunders is quoted on his approach to generating such a premise, describing a preference for starting from a very small idea. The conversation took place in New York City. The novel's German title is "Nachtwache."

Key facts

  • George Saunders has published a new novel titled "Nachtwache."
  • The novel's plot involves a ghost visiting a dying oil tycoon.
  • Saunders discussed the book's premise during a breakfast interview in Manhattan.
  • The interview appeared in Süddeutsche Zeitung.
  • The article headline quotes Saunders: "Ich will immer nur eine ganz kleine Idee."
  • Saunders described working from a very small initial idea.
  • The meeting with the author took place in New York City.

Entities

Artists

Institutions

  • Süddeutsche Zeitung

Locations

  • Manhattan
  • New York
  • United States

Sources