“When a child is lost, there is no end to the self-torment a parent may inflict. When we love, and the object of our love is small, weak, and vulnerable, and has looked to us and us alone for protection; and when such protection, for whatever reason, has failed, what consolation (what justification, what defense) may there possibly be?” – George Saunders, Lincoln in the Bardo
Are you interested in learning about George Saunders’ award-winning novel Lincoln in the Bardo? You’ve come to the right place! This unique book mixes history with supernatural elements in a truly different way.
In this article, I’ll explain everything you need to know about this powerful story. From plot details to reader reviews, I’ve got you covered. Many readers find this book confusing at first, but don’t worry! By the end of this post, you’ll understand what makes it so special.
Trust me when I say this isn’t your typical historical fiction. It’s a book that stays with you long after you finish the last page.
Plot Summary
“He came out of nothingness, took form, was loved, was always bound to return to nothingness.” – George Saunders, Lincoln in the Bardo
The story happens during a single night in February 1862. President Abraham Lincoln visits the cemetery where his son Willie was just buried. The nation is in the early days of the Civil War, and Lincoln faces both personal grief and a national crisis.
What makes this book special is how it’s told. The “Bardo” is a Tibetan concept – a state between death and rebirth. In the cemetery, we meet many ghosts who don’t know they’re dead. They call themselves “sick” and their coffins “sick-boxes.”
The main characters include:
- Willie Lincoln: Abraham Lincoln’s 11-year-old son who just died of typhoid fever
- Hans Vollman: A ghost who died before he could complete his marriage
- Roger Bevins III: A young gay man who killed himself and now wishes he hadn’t
- The Reverend Everly Thomas: A ghost who knows he’s dead but fears judgment
Lincoln in the Bardo is a unique and moving novel by George Saunders that blends history, fiction, and the supernatural. The story takes place in a cemetery throughout a single night. A group of ghosts, stuck in a state between life and death called the bardo, witness something unusual—President Abraham Lincoln visiting his young son Willie’s crypt.
The ghosts are surprised, even shaken. It’s rare for the living, especially adults, to visit the cemetery at night. Lincoln’s grief is deep and raw as he holds the body of his son, unable to let go. This moment has a powerful effect—not just on Lincoln, but on the spirits watching.
Willie Lincoln has just died and enters the bardo. Usually, children pass through quickly, moving on to the afterlife without delay. But Willie senses his father’s sorrow and refuses to move on. His love and concern for Lincoln keep him tied to the world of the living.
The other ghosts, each with their own regrets and unfinished business, decide to help Willie. In doing so, they are forced to confront their own pain, mistakes, and attachments. Each ghost has a personal story—some tragic, some strange—that explains why they are stuck in this limbo.
Throughout the novel, Saunders weaves in snippets from real historical texts about Lincoln, combined with fictional accounts made to sound like actual sources. This blend creates a rich, layered story that feels both deeply emotional and hauntingly real.
In the end, Lincoln in the Bardo explores love, loss, and letting go. It’s a story about what holds us back and what helps us move forward—even after death.
The story builds to Lincoln’s final departure from the cemetery. His departure forces the ghosts, including Willie, to make choices about what to do next.
What Genre is Lincoln in The Bardo?
Lincoln in the Bardo doesn’t fit neatly into one genre. It’s primarily historical fiction since it deals with real historical figures and events. But it also contains strong elements of:
- Supernatural fiction: The story is largely told by ghosts
- Experimental fiction: The unique format breaks the traditional novel structure
- Literary fiction: The deep themes and artistic approach set it apart
The main themes include:
- Grief and how we handle loss
- What death is and what might come after
- How we hold on to life and the things we can’t let go of
- How the Civil War affected Lincoln personally
- How parents love their children
When you pick up this book, expect something unlike anything you’ve read before. The format can be challenging at first. Instead of traditional chapters, the book is told through a series of quotes – some from the ghosts, others from historical sources (both real and invented).
This isn’t a straightforward historical account of Lincoln. It uses history as a jumping-off point to explore deeper questions about life, death, grief, and human connection.
Ratings and Reviews
“No one who has ever done anything worth doing has gone uncriticized” – George Saunders, Lincoln in the Bardo
Lincoln in the Bardo has a 3.9/5 star rating on Goodreads from over 170,000 readers, which shows a mix of admiration and challenge in the reader experience.
Readers across platforms share many positive thoughts about the novel:
“A stunning, original take on grief and the afterlife. The structure was unfamiliar at first, but it became one of the most moving stories I’ve read.”
“The voices of the ghosts are unforgettable. Each one brings a different emotion to the story—sadness, humor, longing. I felt pulled into their world.”
“The blend of real history and surreal fiction is genius. Saunders makes Abraham Lincoln feel human in a way no biography ever has.”
Some critical reviews mention:
“The fragmented narrative style can be confusing at first, especially with so many voices and shifting perspectives.”
“The plot isn’t traditional, and the lack of a clear storyline may frustrate readers looking for more structure.”
“Some historical ‘quotes’ are fictional, blurring the line in a way that’s not always satisfying for readers who want accuracy.”
What sets this novel apart from other books about grief and the afterlife is its inventive form and emotional depth. Lincoln in the Bardo doesn’t follow a straightforward plot—it’s more like a chorus of voices exploring what it means to love, to lose, and to let go. The result is a deeply human, sometimes haunting, and ultimately tender meditation on sorrow and release.
Who Should Read Lincoln In the Bardo?
This book is best for adult readers who enjoy literary fiction. While the historical content would be fine for younger readers, the format and some mature themes make it hard for most teens.
Content warnings:
- Descriptions of death and bodies
- Some sexual content and references
- Suicide themes
- Racial slurs (in historical context)
This book is perfect for readers who enjoyed:
- “The Underground Railroad” by Colson Whitehead
- “Cloud Atlas” by David Mitchell
- “Beloved” by Toni Morrison
- Books that try new forms and structures
It’s also great for history fans who want a new look at Lincoln and the Civil War era. If you like simple stories with clear plots, this might not be for you.
Book Recommendations If You Liked Lincoln In the Bardo
If you enjoyed Lincoln in the Bardo, here are some books with similar qualities:
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Beloved by Toni Morrison: Another historical novel with supernatural elements that deals with grief and the legacy of slavery.
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The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz uses multiple points of view and mixes history with magical elements.
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Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell: It has an experimental structure with stories connected across time.
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The Overstory by Richard Powers: A novel with multiple points of view that brings together human stories with bigger themes.
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Her Body and Other Parties by Carmen Maria Machado: Short stories that mix literary fiction with supernatural elements.
Conclusion
Lincoln in the Bardo is truly one of a kind. It takes a small moment in history – a sad president visiting his son’s grave – and turns it into a reflection on life, death, and what comes after.
The book’s unusual format might test you, but if you stick with it, you’ll find a deeply moving story about how we handle loss.
What makes this book special is how it links Lincoln’s grief to the national tragedy of the Civil War. It shows us that even the most powerful people feel the same pain we do when they lose someone they love.
If you want a book that will make you think differently about history and maybe even about life itself, try “Lincoln in the Bardo.”
About the Author
George Saunders is mainly known as a short story writer. Before Lincoln in the Bardo (his first novel), he wrote several praised short story collections.
Saunders teaches creative writing at Syracuse University. His writing often mixes humor, science fiction, and social themes.
Other books by George Saunders include:
- Tenth of December (short stories)
- CivilWarLand in Bad Decline (short stories)
- Pastoralia (short stories)
- A Swim in a Pond in the Rain (essays on writing
- Fox 8 (novella)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lincoln in the Bardo Based on a True Story?
Partly. Willie Lincoln did die of typhoid fever in 1862, and historical accounts suggest Abraham Lincoln did visit his son’s crypt at night. The ghost stories are made up.
What Does “Bardo” Mean?
In Tibetan Buddhism, the Bardo is a state between death and rebirth. It’s a time when the soul has yet to move on to its next life.
Why Is the Book Written in Such a Strange Format?
Saunders wanted to create a “chorus” of voices to tell the story. The format copies historical sources and allows for many different views.
How Long Does It Take to Read Lincoln in the Bardo?
Though it’s under 400 pages, most readers find it takes longer than normal to read because of how it’s written. Plan for 6-8 hours of reading time.
