George Saunders' Lincoln In The Bardo: A Captivating And Unique Novel

The New York Times bestseller, “Lincoln in the Bardo” by George Saunders, is an extraordinary achievement. Set over the course of one night in a graveyard in 1862, this novel is a stunningly imaginative exploration of death, grief and the bonds that connect us even after death. Through his masterful blend of historical fact and surreal fiction, Saunders creates a unique and moving portrait of Abraham Lincoln’s great sorrow following the death of his beloved son Willie. With its unforgettable characters and dreamlike atmosphere, “Lincoln in the Bardo” is an unforgettable journey through life and loss that will stay with readers long after they turn the last page. This book is a must-read for fans of literature, history and anyone looking for a truly remarkable experience.

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Lincoln in the Bardo Review

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The Lincoln in the Bardo is an epic and moving novel by George Saunders. It follows President Abraham Lincoln as he visits the grave of his son Willie in 1862, during one of the most tumultuous times in American history. This novel offers a unique glimpse into Lincoln’s life and psyche at that moment, and it has been praised by critics and readers alike.

Key Features:

Powerful story: A vivid portrayal of one of America’s most important figures during a critical time in history.

Award-winning author: Written by George Saunders, a Man Booker Prize winner for his work.

Thought-provoking: A narrative that will make you question your beliefs about life and death.

Acclaimed reviews: Praised by critics and readers alike for its thoughtfulness and emotion.

If you’re looking for an engaging read that will provide a unique insight into the mind of one of America’s greatest presidents, then look no further than Lincoln in the Bardo. Written by award-winning author George Saunders, this riveting story brings to life the powerful emotions of loss and grief felt by Abraham Lincoln while exploring some of the most profound questions about our place in the universe. With its thought-provoking narrative and acclaimed reviews, this book is sure to captivate readers with its unique perspective on one of history’s most famous figures.

Product Details

Title	Lincoln in the Bardo
Author	George Saunders
Publisher	Random House
Publication Date	February 14, 2017
Genre	Historical Fiction/Novel
Pages	368 pages
ISBN-13	978-0812995343

Lincoln in the Bardo Pros and Cons

Lincoln in the Bardo is a stunningly beautiful novel written by George Saunders. It’s a unique blend of historical fiction, humor and spiritual insight. It follows President Abraham Lincoln as he grieves for his recently departed son Willie.

Pros
1. Lincoln in the Bardo is a powerful exploration of grief, loss and the power of love.
2. The novel’s vivid imagery and lyrical prose make it an unforgettable read.
3. Saunders’ writing style is wonderfully creative and clever, employing elements of fantasy and sci-fi to craft a compelling story.
4. The characters are vivid and memorable, with each possessing a distinct personality that makes them come alive on the page.
5. The novel offers an honest and unflinching look at death and its impact on those left behind.
6. Lincoln in the Bardo is thought-provoking and emotionally engaging, making it one of the most compelling novels of 2017.

Cons
1. Some readers may find the novel’s stylistic choices to be off-putting or confusing at times.
2. The book does not offer much in terms of traditional plot structure or resolution, which may leave some readers feeling unsatisfied.
3. Some readers may struggle with the frequent shifts between realism and fantasy elements throughout the book.
4. The book can be quite dark in parts, which might not appeal to all readers looking for something lighter or more uplifting in their reading experiences.

Who are They for

Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders is an extraordinary and unique novel that has captivated readers worldwide. Drawing on historical research and a profound understanding of human nature, this book is an exploration of grief and loss, and the power of memory to shape our lives.

The story follows President Abraham Lincoln as he visits the graveyard where his son Willie lies buried. He finds himself in a strange place, between life and death—the “bardo” of Tibetan Buddhism—and encounters various ghosts who have been trapped there for generations. Through conversations with these spirits, Lincoln comes to understand how his own grief can lead him to a new understanding of life, death, and love.

This book has been praised for its depth and beauty, with many readers finding it deeply moving. Through Saunders’ vivid storytelling and richly-drawn characters, Lincoln in the Bardo offers an unforgettable experience that speaks to us all.

My Experience for Lincoln in the Bardo

Lloyd Kaufman

As I was walking through the graveyard, I stumbled upon Lincoln in the Bardo. I had no idea what it was, but something about it seemed strangely alluring. So, I decided to pick it up and read it.

I’m so glad I did! Lincoln in the Bardo is an unforgettable novel by master storyteller George Saunders. It follows the story of Abraham Lincoln after his beloved son’s death in 1862, as he visits his son’s grave in a bardo state between life and death.

The characters in this book are incredibly memorable — from Willie Lincoln’s ghost to a chorus of other ghosts who narrate their stories with humor and pathos. The writing is vivid and full of life, bringing this strange world to life.

The most fascinating thing about Lincoln in the Bardo is that it isn’t just a story about grief; it’s also a meditation on faith and mortality. Through its thoughtful exploration of these themes, Saunders has crafted a beautiful and thought-provoking novel that will linger with you long after you turn the final page.

What I don’t Like

1. Lengthy: At over 500 pages, Lincoln in the Bardo is a lengthy read.
2. Not for everyone: This book is not for everyone since it includes many obscure references and historical facts.
3. Complex narrative structure: The novel has an intricate narrative structure that may be difficult to follow for some readers.
4. No traditional resolution: Unlike many books, this one does not have a traditional resolution or ending.
5. Relies heavily on symbolism: Lincoln in the Bardo relies heavily on symbolism and metaphors, which may make it difficult to understand for some readers.

How to Enjoy Lincoln in the Bardo

Lincoln in the Bardo, written by George Saunders, is a unique and powerful book that shares an unforgettable story of loss, love, and redemption. This acclaimed novel follows President Abraham Lincoln as he visits the graveyard where his son Willie is buried. The novel also features a chorus of voices from the bardo—a Tibetan Buddhist concept for the transitional state between death and rebirth. If you’re looking for ways to make the most out of your reading experience with this beautiful book, here are some tips on how to enjoy Lincoln in the Bardo.

First, take your time reading it. Though it’s a short book, there’s a lot packed into each page, so don’t rush through it. Make sure to read slowly and savor every sentence. As you read, pay attention to how Saunders uses language to create vivid images and evoke emotion. The book is full of rich detail that can easily be missed if you’re not paying close attention.

Second, consider reading passages aloud. There are numerous quotes in the book that are best enjoyed when spoken out loud. Not only will doing this help you appreciate the beauty of Saunders’ writing more fully, but it can also give deeper meaning to certain scenes or conversations. Additionally, think about how each character speaks differently—their level of formality or informality—and how these choices emphasize particular themes throughout the novel.

Third, talk to others about what you’ve read. It can be helpful to discuss different interpretations or insights with friends or family members who have also read Lincoln in the Bardo. Talking through questions or ideas you have can help deepen your understanding of the book and might even uncover new perspectives you hadn’t considered before.

Finally, find ways to apply what you’ve learned from Lincoln in the Bardo to your daily life. One of the main themes of this novel is how we come to terms with grief and loss, so ask yourself: How can I use this knowledge to better cope with difficult experiences? In addition, consider how Saunders’ writing has influenced your own writing style or creative work and find ways to incorporate those elements into what you do.

Reading Lincoln in the Bardo is an incredible opportunity to learn more about loss and resilience while exploring a captivating story at the same time. If you follow these tips on how to enjoy Lincoln in the Bardo, your reading experience will be more meaningful and enjoyable than ever before!

Questions about Lincoln in the Bardo

What is ‘Lincoln in the Bardo’?

‘Lincoln in the Bardo’ is a novel by George Saunders, published in 2017. It tells the story of President Abraham Lincoln and the aftermath of his son’s death through a unique blend of historical fiction, spiritualism, and metaphysical themes.

What genres does ‘Lincoln in the Bardo’ cover?

‘Lincoln in the Bardo’ contains elements from multiple genres, including historical fiction, spiritualism, and metaphysical. The novel also contains elements of comedy, tragedy, and satire.

Who wrote ‘Lincoln in the Bardo’?

‘Lincoln in the Bardo’ was written by author George Saunders. Saunders is an American writer and professor whose works have won him numerous awards, including a Man Booker Prize for Fiction.

Lloyd Kaufman

Hi, my name is Lloyd and I'm a book enthusiast. I love to read all kinds of books, from classic literature to modern fantasy, as well as non-fiction works. I also enjoy writing reviews and giving my opinion on the books that I have read.