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A review by reydeam
Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders
4.0
Lincoln in the Bardo is a strange yet beautifully written story full of imaginative elements and much different from anything that I have read. It was an unexpected story with threads of historical context and fiction brilliantly woven together to tell about Lincoln and his experience of grief over the loss of his son Willie. The complexity of this story extended into the fictional characters’ lives as they shared how they each experienced hope and sorrow.
The storytelling style jumped from one narrator to the next; this was initially a little jarring, but once I was acclimated to this style, I was quickly swept into the perspective of the various narrations. The characters drew me into their lives, albeit in a non-traditional way.
The idea for this book was based off an actual historical event. There are many sources cited within this story, but it was difficult to determine which texts were that of creative license or actually historical in nature. I found this to be ok because I appreciated the aspects that gave the reader insight to Lincoln’s grief regardless if imagined or not. I can believe that Lincoln, at the time of his son’s death, was in a position that no matter how he grieved he was damned if he did and damed if he didn’t. As it is today, there are people who will support you and those who will jump at the chance to tear you down.
Most importantly, the story showed our shared humanity: we all experience suffering. No one gets through life without any scars. At some point, if you have ever loved, losses will be felt. Each of us should help lighten the load of others.
The mix of a historical feeling along with the supernatural elements suited my reading tastes. This is definitely a unique and engaging story.
Side note: I did listen to the audiobook version, but I also read parts of the printed text. The assemble audiobook cast did an amazing job. Even now, as I write these words many days after finishing the book, I can hear the characters’ voices. The audiobook definitely enriched the storytelling experience.
(4 1/2 stars)
The storytelling style jumped from one narrator to the next; this was initially a little jarring, but once I was acclimated to this style, I was quickly swept into the perspective of the various narrations. The characters drew me into their lives, albeit in a non-traditional way.
The idea for this book was based off an actual historical event. There are many sources cited within this story, but it was difficult to determine which texts were that of creative license or actually historical in nature. I found this to be ok because I appreciated the aspects that gave the reader insight to Lincoln’s grief regardless if imagined or not. I can believe that Lincoln, at the time of his son’s death, was in a position that no matter how he grieved he was damned if he did and damed if he didn’t. As it is today, there are people who will support you and those who will jump at the chance to tear you down.
Most importantly, the story showed our shared humanity: we all experience suffering. No one gets through life without any scars. At some point, if you have ever loved, losses will be felt. Each of us should help lighten the load of others.
The mix of a historical feeling along with the supernatural elements suited my reading tastes. This is definitely a unique and engaging story.
Side note: I did listen to the audiobook version, but I also read parts of the printed text. The assemble audiobook cast did an amazing job. Even now, as I write these words many days after finishing the book, I can hear the characters’ voices. The audiobook definitely enriched the storytelling experience.
(4 1/2 stars)