‘Lincoln in the Bardo’ by George Saunders

Audiobook Review

Finished on 12/15/2018

Goodreads

Where to purchase

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fantasy, Fantasy, Alternate History, Literary Fantasy, Literary, ALL OF THE AWARDS, Ghost story

Abraham Lincoln struggles with the loss of his son, even as his son struggles to move on into the afterlife.

Spoiler-ific review

This book just needs to be seen to be believed. It’s so good that it won several mainstream literary prizes. I listened to the audiobook, and it is a full cast audio production. I suggest you read that version of it.

This is a ghost story. Starting with the funeral and internment of Abe’s son Will in a crypt. That night Abraham comes back to hug his dead son’s body one last time. Unknown to him, he is watched by hundreds of ghosts who haunt the mortuary grounds- his dead son included.

This is a fantastic book. I Highly Recommend it. I honestly don’t want to talk too much about it for fear of giving too many spoilers. If you are an American citizen who likes either Fantasy genre books or Literary books, give this a try. It is a Civil War era book about Lincoln, so expect themes of American politics and racial strife.

This is not a book for everyone. It’s style is avant-garde, with the thoughts and feelings of various ghosts intermingling as the story goes on, which can be jarring. I loved it though, as it was unlike anything I’ve ever read before. If you like/can tolerate the style then read it, but if not feel free to put the book down. This is not a book for everyone and no one should feel pressured to read it.