George Saunders
In A Swim in a Pond in the Rain, George Saunders, a professor of creative writing, analyzes and interprets a collection of seven stories by four Russian masters—Chekhov, Turgenev, Tolstoy, and Gogol.
Each chapter opens with the text of the short story. Saunders then begins analyzing it, dissecting it, and interrogating it. He selects passages from each story, rewrites it in his own words, and compares it to the original to demonstrate the efficacy of the original. He asks questions about the reading and measures his reactions. He highlights details. He peppers his discussion with contributions and comments from his students, crediting them with broadening his interpretation of a story. He includes personal anecdotes to illustrate a point.
In addition to opening up each story with his analysis, one of the most fascinating elements about this book is seeing how Saunders’ mind works as he shares his insights about the reading. He interrupts the flow of the story to ask questions. Why did the author go this way and not that? Why did he include this detail? Where he is taking us? Such interrogations track Saunder’s mental progression as he reads and interprets the story and takes the reader along with him. He derives rules about writing from his close textual and structural analysis. He articulates the premise that what the author chooses to say in a story is just as important as what he chooses not to say. By showing how and why the story works, he hones our reading skills and identifies the tools that turn a mediocre story into a great one whose meaning can never be fully exhausted.
Saunders enthusiasm and genuine delight is infectious. He approaches each story with humility and openness. His generosity of spirit towards the literature and towards his students is palpable. His tone is conversational; his warmth, inviting. His approach is appealing, humane, and nonjudgmental. As he guides us through each reading, he repeatedly reminds us that this is his reading and that a good story is open to a variety of readings. He encourages us to read differently, walk slowly, ask questions, notice details, engage with the literature, and allow it to expand our thinking. Ultimately, he invites us to share his passion.