![]() It is that restrained but persistent note of sentimental humanism that is most noticeably illuminated in Saunders’ attentive readings of the Russian masters, though the parameters of the book are set by its practical emphasis. His work is known for its quirky premises and at times cartoonish forays into cultural satire, beneath which it is possible to discern a preoccupation with the themes of suffering and compassion. The immediately surprising thing about Saunders’ story selections is that they skew towards realism, which is not his usual mode. He then analyses the stories in detail, with a view to elaborating what makes them successful as pieces of writing. He presents us with seven short stories by great Russian writers: three by Chekhov, two by Tolstoy, and one each by Turgenev and Gogol. ![]() ![]() Its format is based on the exclusive writing workshops he runs at Syracuse. A Swim in a Pond in the Rain is Saunders’ amiable contribution to the popular writing-guide genre. ![]()
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