Lincoln in the Bardo

The novel is a fictionalized account of a single night in the life of Abraham Lincoln as he grieves the death of his son, Willie, in the Bardo—a Tibetan Buddhist intermediate state between death and rebirth. Lincoln visits Willie's body in a cemetery, where he encounters a host of recently deceased souls, including Willie himself, who are reluctant to fully transition to the afterlife.

George Saunders' novel 'Lincoln in the Bardo' was widely acclaimed by critics, earning numerous awards and widespread praise for its innovative narrative structure, profound exploration of grief and empathy, and unique blend of historical elements with spiritual and philosophical themes. It was lauded for its ambitious scope and emotional resonance, becoming a significant literary event.

• Praised for its experimental narrative structure and ambitious blend of historical and fantastical elements.

• Lauded for its deeply moving exploration of grief, empathy, and the human condition.

• Celebrated for its rich prose and profound philosophical insights.

Google audience: Google users' reviews for 'Lincoln in the Bardo' generally reflect the critical acclaim, with many appreciating the novel's emotional depth and unique storytelling. Readers often highlight its powerful portrayal of Abraham Lincoln's personal tragedy and its thought-provoking engagement with themes of life, death, and the afterlife.

Winner of the 2017 Man Booker Prize

The novel's unique structure, employing numerous voices and perspectives, was inspired by Saunders' interest in Tibetan Buddhist beliefs about the Bardo, the intermediate state between death and rebirth.