Reviews

Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders

ncteisen's review against another edition

5.0

Told with an intensely unique style, this book provides an amazing meditation on death, grief, parenthood, and the afterlife.

caterinagberti's review against another edition

challenging funny inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

awoods3's review against another edition

challenging emotional funny reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

iamthecomet's review against another edition

emotional funny informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

nooneyouknow's review against another edition

4.0

Possibly 4.5 stars. I listened to the audiobook & pretty much hated it for the first hour until I suddenly fell completely under its spell. I remember wishing I had chosen a printed format, but now I feel like I would have missed out on such a great experience. An interesting and unique meditation on the experience of being dead and the bridge between the living and the afterlife. Recommended.

krispypug13's review against another edition

dark emotional funny inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

cc_booklists's review against another edition

4.0

Lincoln's inner monologues were devastating.

gille1jj's review against another edition

4.0

I had few expectations going into this book. I had never read Saunders before, however, I would like to read more. Though, I suspect his other books are not like this one. I did not care for it initially, but once I start a book I need to finish it. I’m glad I did! It leaves you with some intriguing thoughts and “passing” thoughts of spirituality and death.

gillianhagenus's review against another edition

5.0

Saunders' balance of the absurd and crude, with the deeply emotional in this story is nothing short of masterful.
The story is told through numerous fragmented narrative voices which, in the hands of a less attentive storyteller would be absolute chaos, but what Saunders has managed to achieve through this method is an urgent and profound display of the multitudes of grief, life, and death.
I am convinced you will never encounter characters anything like the ones in these pages no matter how many books you read.
Saunders' embodiment and representation of ghosts and haunting is also the most unique I've read.
I have only good things to say about this book. If you've ever pondered picking up a book by George Saunders, don't hesitate. I wish I'd read this years ago.

mjfay's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional funny reflective sad medium-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0