Lincoln in the Bardo
by George Saunders
Approximately 426 pages
This novel presents a unique narrative that intertwines historical events with the personal experiences of its characters in the afterlife.
Difficulty
Moderate
Pace
Medium
Mood
experimental, emotional
Book club
High
Is this book for you?
Read this if you enjoy
- innovative narrative structures
- you appreciate deep emotional explorations
Consider another book if
- you prefer traditional storytelling
- you seek straightforward plots
What it is about
"Lincoln in the Bardo" is a novel set in 1862 during the American Civil War. It centers on the death of President Abraham Lincoln's son, Willie. The story unfolds in a graveyard where the spirits of the deceased interact with one another.
The narrative is structured through a mix of historical texts and fictional dialogue. The term "bardo" refers to a liminal space between life and the afterlife. Characters grapple with their unfinished business and the nature of existence.
Lincoln visits the graveyard, mourning his son’s loss. The novel explores themes of grief, love, and the impact of loss on the living. It presents a unique blend of historical and supernatural elements.
The narrative ultimately reflects on the human experience of mortality.
Award recognition
2017 winner
The Booker Prize
United Kingdom
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