I took a few points off for character and plot development, but the focus of this book was more about the presentation of ideas than it was about a character study. I both laughed and cried while reading this book. Lincoln in the Bardo is a fantastic book that is able to find humor and hope in the darkest places: a parent grieving the loss of their child. I was overjoyed that it did make the list. I loved this book and yet I didn’t think it would make the longlist. It’s creative in its unique narrative style (alternating between dialogue, letters, historical documents, etc) and in its content. It’s probably no surprise that Saunders’ first novel would be wholly creative and original given his past portfolio. Jen’s Review: So far (I’ve read 7/13 books on the list), Lincoln in the Bardo is one of the most original and creative books I’ve read. Saunders has invented a thrilling new form that deploys a kaleidoscopic, theatrical panorama of voices to ask a timeless, profound question: How do we live and love when we know that everything we love must end? Within this transitional state-called, in the Tibetan tradition, the bardo-a monumental struggle erupts over young Willie’s soul. Willie Lincoln finds himself in a strange purgatory where ghosts mingle, gripe, commiserate, quarrel, and enact bizarre acts of penance. “God has called him home.” Newspapers report that a grief-stricken Lincoln returns, alone, to the crypt several times to hold his boy’s body.įrom that seed of historical truth, George Saunders spins an unforgettable story of familial love and loss that breaks free of its realistic, historical framework into a supernatural realm both hilarious and terrifying. “My poor boy, he was too good for this earth,” the president says at the time. In a matter of days, despite predictions of a recovery, Willie dies and is laid to rest in a Georgetown cemetery.
Meanwhile, President Lincoln’s beloved eleven-year-old son, Willie, lies upstairs in the White House, gravely ill. The fighting has begun in earnest, and the nation has begun to realize it is in for a long, bloody struggle. Judges – The full panel: Jen, Book Worm, Nicole, Andrew, Lisa, & Anitaįind it/buy it here: Lincoln in the Bardo We’ve each provided mini-reviews and ratings. We hope you add your own thoughts and comments. Our panel reviewed the book on the following criteria: 1) writing quality 2) originality 3) character development 4) plot development and 5) overall enjoyment.
Next up for our Shadow panel is Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders.
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