Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders

“Lincoln in the Bardo” is a novel by American author George Saunders, published in 2017. It is a unique and imaginative work that blends historical fiction, supernatural elements, and experimental storytelling.

The novel is set in February 1862, shortly after the death of Abraham Lincoln’s young son, Willie, who succumbed to illness at the age of 11. The story takes place primarily in the “bardo,” a Tibetan Buddhist term for the intermediate state between death and rebirth. In this bardo, the spirits of the dead linger, unable to move on to the afterlife.

The narrative unfolds through a chorus of voices, including those of the deceased residents of the bardo who comment on events and reflect on their own lives. Among them are Willie Lincoln and a colorful cast of characters from various walks of life, each with their own regrets, fears, and desires.

As Lincoln grieves for his son, he visits Willie’s tomb late at night, prompting speculation and concern among the bardo inhabitants. Through a series of poignant and surreal encounters, the novel explores themes of loss, redemption, and the nature of existence.

Saunders’ writing style is characterized by its inventiveness and emotional depth, as well as its dark humor and keen insight into human nature. “Lincoln in the Bardo” is a haunting and thought-provoking work that challenges readers to confront their own mortality and contemplate the mysteries of life and death. It won the Man Booker Prize for Fiction in 2017, cementing Saunders’ reputation as one of the most original and talented voices in contemporary literature.