“Love Letter” is a short story by George Saunders from his 2022 collection Liberation Day: Stories. It was first published in 2020 in The New Yorker.
“Love Letter” Summary: George Saunders
February 22, 202_
A grandfather writes his grandson, Robbie, a letter in response to an email. A letter might be more prudent. He identifies people by initials in case anyone else should read the letter.
The grandfather agrees that G can’t be helped, having not had the proper paperwork. M had paperwork but was aware of G’s situation, so according to “loyalists”—those on the other side—she should have said something.
He’s disgusted with the situation as well, but he urges caution. Robbie’s main concern is J, who wouldn’t provide any information on G or M. Based on the views of some old friends, the grandfather believes the loyalists will claim J has forfeited certain rights as a citizen.
The lawyer the grandfather was in touch with has been bullied into silence and won’t be of much help. Robbie seeks advice on whether to stand by or try to help J. He has two answers—one as a citizen and one as a grandfather.
As a citizen he understands why someone would feel they should do something. But what?
“Love Letter” Summary, Cont’d
Life is made up of significant and enjoyable moments and these are the things that are real. Of course, the situation with J is a major interference in life.
As a grandfather, he wants Robbie to understand the potential danger of the situation. Early on, the grandfather wrote two letters to a local paper criticizing the administration. Shortly after he was pulled over for no reason by a young police officer who made it known he was aware of the letters. He told the grandfather to stay away from the computer. The grandfather doesn’t want Robbie to be at the mercy of this kind of person.
The grandfather addresses the last part of the email, which didn’t hurt his feelings although it was direct. Yes, he has regrets about how he reacted early on.
He and his wife were occupied with day-to-day things. He didn’t think such a clownish character could be so destructive. He compares it to a dinner party guest who takes a dump on the rug, then a second, and then a third on the table. The protests from the other guests didn’t help and he isn’t thrown out, so now there’s no limit to what will be tolerated.
This was leading up to the second election, not the third which was won by the son. Following this, there were many pardons. Political enemies were targeted and term limits eliminated. But life went on.
He can see now that a more extreme response was needed, but that’s not how he is. He was spoiled, like those on the other side who didn’t mind tearing everything down.
“Love Letter” Summary, Cont’d
They fought in the ways they could—called and wrote their senator and gave money to opposing candidates. There were no marches and they didn’t have the knowledge or energy to organize one. He doesn’t believe in arming yourself.
He advises Robbie to stay out of the business with J; his involvement won’t help. It could also affect the other members of the family. He wants Robbie to live a long life.
He realizes now that Robbie and J could be more than friends which, of course, complicates things.
The grandfather relates a dream he had last night of the pre-election period where he and his wife realized that something must be done. On waking, he realized action was not possible anymore.
Again, he urges caution. J made a choice, which he respects, but it doesn’t involve Robbie. He can be a force for sanity just by being a good person. Their influence could help the country return to normal.
The grandfather remembers J as a lovely person and realizes how hard it is to stay silent if, in fact, they are more than friends.
Having made his preference clear, he tells Robbie they have some money put aside in case it comes to that. He asks to be informed of Robbie’s decision as he and his wife’s thoughts are dominated by the situation.
He signs off with love, GPa.
(End of “Love Letter” Summary)
I hope this summary of “Love Letter” by George Saunders was helpful.
