Lincoln in the Bardo

Summary

The novel "Lincoln in the Bardo" by George Saunders tells the story of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln as he mourns the death of his eleven-year-old son, Willie. The narrative unfolds over the course of one night in a cemetery, where Willie's soul is trapped in a state between life and death, known as the bardo. Willie encounters numerous other souls who are also unable to leave this world. These souls share their stories, reflect on life and death, and attempt to help Willie and Lincoln find peace. The novel explores themes of grief, loss, and the acceptance of death's inevitability, blending historical facts with fantastical elements and a multi-voiced narrative.