Lincoln in the Bardo

"Lincoln in the Bardo" is a novel set in 1862 during the American Civil War. It centers on the death of President Abraham Lincoln's son, Willie. The story unfolds in a graveyard where the spirits of the deceased interact with one another. The narrative is structured through a mix of historical texts and fictional dialogue. The term "bardo" refers to a liminal space between life and the afterlife. Characters grapple with their unfinished business and the nature of existence. Lincoln visits the graveyard, mourning his son’s loss. The novel explores themes of grief, love, and the impact of loss on the living. It presents a unique blend of historical and supernatural elements. The narrative ultimately reflects on the human experience of mortality.