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Lincoln in the Bardo

368 pages, 2017

Takeaways
Description
February 1862: The Civil War is less than one year old. The fighting has begun in earnest and the nation has begun to realize it is in for a long and bloody struggle. Meanwhile, President Lincoln’s beloved eleven-year-old son, Willie, lies upstairs in the White House, gravely ill. In a matter of days, despite predictions of a recovery, Willie dies and is laid to rest in a Georgetown cemetery. “My poor boy, he was too good for this earth; God has called him home. ”
Exploring Grief and Loss

George Saunders takes us on a journey through the grieving process in Lincoln in the Bardo. He shows us that it's okay to feel pain and loss, and that these feelings are a natural part of life. It's a reminder that we're not alone in our grief.

Historical Fiction with a Twist

Saunders creatively blends history and fiction in Lincoln in the Bardo. He takes a real event - the death of Abraham Lincoln's son - and adds a supernatural twist. This unique approach makes the book a must-read for history buffs and fantasy fans alike.

Understanding the Afterlife

In Lincoln in the Bardo, Saunders gives us a glimpse into the afterlife. He creates a world that's both familiar and strange, encouraging us to question our own beliefs about what happens after we die. It's a thought-provoking look into a topic that many of us wonder about.

The Power of Love

One of the key themes in Lincoln in the Bardo is the power of love. Saunders shows us that love can transcend even death, as we see with Abraham Lincoln's deep love for his son. It's a touching reminder of the strength of our connections with others.

Innovative Storytelling

Saunders breaks the mold with his storytelling in Lincoln in the Bardo. He uses a mix of historical sources and fictional accounts to tell the story, creating a unique narrative style. If you're looking for a book that's different from anything you've read before, this is it.

Quotes 5

Saunders' Lincoln in the Bardo is a masterpiece of a novel, truly unique and brilliantly conceived.

Zadie SmithZadie Smith - Novelist, Essayist

George Saunders makes you feel as though you are reading fiction for the first time.

Thomas PynchonThomas Pynchon - Novelist, Engineer

Saunders' Lincoln in the Bardo is a luminous feat of generosity and humanism.

Colson WhiteheadColson Whitehead - Novelist, Professor

Saunders' novel is a mesmerizing, unforgettable tour de force.

Jennifer EganJennifer Egan - Novelist, Short-story writer

George Saunders is a complete original, unlike anyone else.

Jonathan FranzenJonathan Franzen - Novelist, Essayist
Zadie SmithThomas PynchonColson WhiteheadJennifer EganJonathan Franzen

Recommendations

2
Bill Gates, entrepreneur and investor and technology and venture capitalist, Recommending BestBooks

Bill Gates

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Frank Chimero, designer and author, Recommending BestBooks

Frank Chimero

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Lincoln in the Bardo found in libraries

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372 books

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