This is the writer's voice, new fiction from The New Yorker.

I'm Deborah Treesman, fiction editor at The New Yorker.

On this episode of The Writer's Voice, we'll hear George Saunders read his story,

Love Letter from the April 6th, 2020 issue of the magazine.

Saunders won the Man Booker Prize in 2017 for his novel, Lincoln in the Bardot.

He is the author of four story collections, including In Persuasion Nation and 10th of December.

Now here's George Saunders.

Love Letter February 22nd, 20-something

Dear Robbie, got your email, kid.

Sorry for handwriting and reply.

Not sure emailing is the best move, considering the topic, but of course, you being nearly six foot

now, your mother says, that's up to you, dear, although, you know, strange times.

Beautiful day here. A flock of geese just now came in low over the deck, and your grandmother and

I, holding the bright blue mugs you kindly sent at Christmas, did

simultaneous hip swivels as they zinged off toward Rosley, and I expect an easy meal on

the golf course there. Forgive my use of initials in what follows. Would not wish to cause

further difficulties for G, M, or J. Good folks all. We very much enjoyed meeting them when

you stopped by last Easter, should this get sidetracked and read by someone other than you.

I think you are right regarding G. That ship has sailed. Best to let that go.

M, per your explanation, does not lack proper paperwork, but did know all the while

that G did lack it, yes, and did nothing about that? I'm not suggesting, of course, that she should

have, but putting ourselves into their heads, as I think these days it is prudent to try to do,

...