Lincoln in the Bardo

by George Saunders • 2017 • 368 pages

3.75

167.8K ratings

Historical Fiction Book Club Fantasy

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Plot Summary

Grief's Heavy Burden

Abraham Lincoln mourns his son

President Lincoln is devastated by the death of his young son, Willie, who succumbs to typhoid fever. The loss weighs heavily on him, affecting his ability to lead a nation embroiled in civil war. As he grapples with his grief, Lincoln visits the cemetery where Willie is interred, seeking solace and connection with his departed child. This visit sets the stage for a surreal encounter with the spirits inhabiting the cemetery, who are trapped in a state of limbo, unable to move on.

Spirits in Limbo

Ghosts linger in the cemetery

The cemetery is populated by a host of spirits, each with their own unfinished business and reasons for lingering. Among them are Hans Vollman, Roger Bevins III, and the Reverend Everly Thomas, who serve as guides to the newly arrived spirit of Willie Lincoln. These spirits are caught in a state of denial about their deaths, clinging to the remnants of their earthly lives. Their interactions reveal a tapestry of human experiences, regrets, and desires, as they struggle to come to terms with their own mortality.

A Father's Sorrow

Lincoln's grief draws him back

Lincoln's profound sorrow and longing for his son draw him back to the cemetery, where he unknowingly interacts with the spirits. His presence stirs the ghosts, who are both fascinated and moved by his grief. Lincoln's internal struggle is mirrored by the spirits' own battles with acceptance and letting go. The President's visit becomes a catalyst for change, as the spirits begin to confront the reality of their situation and the need to move on.

The Ghostly Gathering

Spirits unite in shared purpose

The spirits, inspired by Lincoln's visit, gather together in a rare moment of unity. They attempt to help Willie understand his death and encourage him to move on to the afterlife. This gathering highlights the interconnectedness of their stories and the shared human experience of loss and longing. As they work together, the spirits begin to find a sense of purpose and community, even in their ghostly state.

The President's Visit

Lincoln's presence impacts the spirits

Lincoln's return to the cemetery has a profound impact on the spirits, particularly Willie. The President's grief and love for his son resonate deeply, prompting the spirits to reflect on their own lives and the reasons they remain tethered to the earthly realm. Lincoln's visit serves as a turning point, as the spirits begin to realize the importance of letting go and embracing the unknown.

The Boy's Departure

Willie moves on to the afterlife

With the help of the spirits and the presence of his father, Willie finally accepts his death and moves on to the afterlife. His departure is both a moment of sadness and liberation for the spirits, who see in his journey a path to their own release. Willie's transition serves as a reminder of the inevitability of death and the peace that can come from acceptance.

A Nation's Struggle

Lincoln's grief mirrors national turmoil

Lincoln's personal grief is set against the backdrop of a nation torn apart by civil war. His struggle to reconcile his duties as President with his role as a grieving father reflects the broader challenges facing the country. The spirits' stories of love, loss, and regret echo the nation's collective pain, highlighting the universal nature of suffering and the resilience required to endure it.

The Living and the Dead

Connections between worlds blur

The boundary between the living and the dead becomes increasingly blurred as Lincoln's visits to the cemetery continue. The spirits' interactions with the President reveal the thin veil separating the two realms and the potential for understanding and empathy across that divide. This connection underscores the enduring impact of love and memory, even in the face of death.

The Final Goodbye

Lincoln finds peace in acceptance

As Lincoln comes to terms with Willie's death, he finds a measure of peace and acceptance. His journey through grief mirrors the spirits' own paths to understanding and release. The President's ability to let go of his son and continue his work for the nation serves as a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of love to transcend even the greatest of losses.

Characters

Abraham Lincoln

Grieving father and leader

Lincoln is portrayed as a man torn between his duties as President and his overwhelming grief for his son, Willie. His visits to the cemetery reveal his deep love and longing for connection, as well as his struggle to find meaning in the face of personal and national tragedy. Lincoln's journey through grief mirrors the nation's turmoil, highlighting his resilience and capacity for empathy.

Willie Lincoln

Innocent spirit seeking peace

Willie is the young son of Abraham Lincoln, whose untimely death serves as the catalyst for the story. As a spirit, he is initially confused and reluctant to leave the earthly realm. With the help of the other spirits and his father's presence, Willie comes to accept his death and moves on to the afterlife, symbolizing the possibility of peace and acceptance.

Hans Vollman

Gentle guide in limbo

Hans is a spirit who serves as a guide to Willie and the other ghosts in the cemetery. He is characterized by his kindness and desire to help others find peace. Hans's own story of unfulfilled love and untimely death reflects the themes of regret and longing that permeate the narrative.

Roger Bevins III

Restless spirit seeking understanding

Roger is a spirit who struggles with his own death and the circumstances that led to it. His introspective nature and desire for connection make him a sympathetic figure, as he grapples with the reality of his situation and the need to move on. Roger's journey highlights the importance of acceptance and the power of community.

Reverend Everly Thomas

Wise but tormented guide

The Reverend is a spirit who provides guidance and support to Willie and the other ghosts. Despite his wisdom, he is haunted by his own fears and doubts about the afterlife. His presence underscores the themes of faith and redemption, as he seeks to help others while confronting his own uncertainties.

The Bachelors

Playful spirits avoiding commitment

The Bachelors are a trio of spirits who provide comic relief and a sense of levity to the story. Their reluctance to engage with the deeper issues faced by the other spirits highlights the tension between avoidance and acceptance. Despite their playful nature, they ultimately contribute to the collective effort to help Willie move on.

Mrs. Francis Hodge

Compassionate spirit with a tragic past

Mrs. Hodge is a spirit who has endured significant suffering in her life. Her compassion and empathy for others make her a key figure in the community of spirits, as she works to support and uplift those around her. Her story underscores the themes of resilience and the enduring impact of love.

Thomas Havens

Hopeful spirit seeking justice

Thomas is a spirit who longs for justice and equality, reflecting the broader social issues of the time. His presence in the story highlights the intersection of personal and political struggles, as he seeks to find meaning and purpose in the afterlife.

Elson Farwell

Proud spirit clinging to anger

Elson is a spirit who struggles with feelings of anger and resentment over the injustices he faced in life. His journey toward acceptance and forgiveness is a central theme in the story, as he learns to let go of his past and embrace the possibility of peace.

Litzie Wright

Silent spirit with a painful history

Litzie is a spirit who has endured significant trauma and abuse in her life. Her silence and eventual release from suffering highlight the themes of healing and redemption, as she finds her voice and moves on to the afterlife.

Plot Devices

The Bardo

A liminal space between worlds

The bardo is a Tibetan concept representing a transitional state between life and death. In the novel, it serves as the setting where spirits linger, unable to move on. This liminal space allows for exploration of themes such as grief, acceptance, and the interconnectedness of human experiences. The bardo becomes a place of reflection and transformation for both the spirits and the living.

Multiple Narrators

A chorus of voices

The novel employs a unique narrative structure, with multiple narrators providing diverse perspectives on the events and characters. This chorus of voices creates a rich tapestry of human experiences, highlighting the complexity of grief and the shared nature of suffering. The use of multiple narrators allows for a deeper exploration of the characters' inner lives and the impact of their stories on one another.

Historical Context

A backdrop of national turmoil

The novel is set during the American Civil War, a time of great upheaval and uncertainty. This historical context serves as a backdrop for the personal struggles of the characters, mirroring the broader challenges facing the nation. The interplay between personal and political themes underscores the universality of grief and the resilience required to endure it.

Supernatural Elements

Blurring the line between life and death

The novel incorporates supernatural elements, such as spirits and the bardo, to explore themes of mortality and the afterlife. These elements blur the line between the living and the dead, allowing for a deeper examination of the connections between the two realms. The supernatural aspects of the story serve to highlight the enduring impact of love and memory.

Analysis

A meditation on grief and acceptance

"Lincoln in the Bardo" is a profound exploration of grief, acceptance, and the human condition. Through its unique narrative structure and rich tapestry of voices, the novel delves into the complexities of loss and the interconnectedness of human experiences. The story highlights the universal nature of suffering and the resilience required to endure it, while also offering a message of hope and redemption. By blurring the line between the living and the dead, the novel underscores the enduring impact of love and memory, and the possibility of finding peace in acceptance. Through the lens of historical fiction, "Lincoln in the Bardo" offers a poignant reflection on the challenges of leadership, the power of empathy, and the strength of the human spirit.

Last updated: February 3, 2025

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FAQ

Synopsis & Basic Details

What is Lincoln in the Bardo about?

Grieving Lincoln visits son : The novel centers on Abraham Lincoln's grief over the death of his son, Willie, and his visits to the cemetery where Willie is interred.
Spirits in a liminal space : The story unfolds in a bardo-like realm, a space between life and death, where spirits linger, grappling with their past lives and their inability to move on.
Exploration of loss and connection : The narrative explores themes of grief, love, loss, and the interconnectedness of human experiences through the interactions of Lincoln and the spirits.

Why should I read Lincoln in the Bardo?

Unique narrative style : George Saunders employs a distinctive multi-voiced narrative, creating a rich and immersive reading experience that challenges traditional storytelling.
Profound emotional depth : The novel delves into the complexities of grief and loss, offering a deeply moving and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition.
Blend of history and the supernatural : The story seamlessly blends historical events with supernatural elements, creating a surreal and captivating world that explores the boundaries between life and death.

What is the background of Lincoln in the Bardo?

Historical setting : The novel is set during the American Civil War, specifically in 1862, a time of great national turmoil and personal loss for President Lincoln.
Tibetan Buddhist concept : The "bardo" is a Tibetan Buddhist concept referring to an intermediate state between death and rebirth, which serves as the setting for the spirits' limbo.
Grief and mortality : The story is deeply rooted in the historical context of Lincoln's personal grief over his son's death, using this as a lens to explore universal themes of mortality and the afterlife.

What are the most memorable quotes in Lincoln in the Bardo?

"We were perhaps not so unlovable as we had come to believe." : This quote encapsulates the spirits' yearning for connection and validation, highlighting their struggle with self-worth in the afterlife.
"You are a wave that has crashed upon the shore." : This recurring phrase, used by the spirits to encourage each other to move on, reflects the cyclical nature of life and death and the inevitability of change.
"It was the touching that was unusual." : This quote emphasizes the profound impact of physical connection and affection, a rare and cherished experience for the spirits in their liminal state.

What writing style, narrative choices, and literary techniques does George Saunders use?

Multi-voiced narration : Saunders employs a unique narrative structure with numerous voices, creating a chorus of perspectives that offer a rich and complex view of the story.
Fragmented and non-linear : The narrative is often fragmented and non-linear, mirroring the chaotic and disorienting nature of the bardo and the characters' emotional states.
Blending of historical and supernatural : Saunders seamlessly blends historical details with supernatural elements, creating a surreal and thought-provoking world that challenges traditional notions of reality.

Hidden Details & Subtle Connections

What are some minor details that add significant meaning?

The descriptions of the sick-boxes : The sick-boxes, where the spirits are confined, are described in detail, highlighting the limitations and frustrations of their existence and their inability to fully move on.
The recurring mention of the moon : The moon's appearance, often described differently by various characters, symbolizes the subjective nature of perception and the unreliability of memory.
The specific details of the food and drink : The descriptions of the food and drink, often lavish and excessive, contrast with the spirits' inability to fully enjoy them, emphasizing their detachment from the physical world.

What are some subtle foreshadowing and callbacks?

The Traynor girl's transformations : The Traynor girl's constant transformations into different forms foreshadow the impermanence and instability of the spirits' existence in the bardo.
The recurring phrase "We say these things to speed you along" : This phrase, used by the spirits when trying to convince others to move on, foreshadows their own eventual departures and the cyclical nature of the bardo.
The mention of the beam that hit Vollman : The beam that hit Hans Vollman is mentioned early in the story, and its significance is revealed later, highlighting the arbitrary nature of fate and the fragility of life.

What are some unexpected character connections?

The shared experience of the Barons and Elson Farwell : The Barons, a white couple, and Elson Farwell, a black man, share a common experience of being marginalized and mistreated, highlighting the universality of suffering.
The connection between Mrs. Blass and Miranda Debb : Mrs. Blass, an old woman, and Miranda Debb, a young girl, share a connection through their shared experiences of loss and longing, transcending age and social status.
The shared experience of the three main spirits : Hans Vollman, Roger Bevins III, and Reverend Everly Thomas, despite their different backgrounds and personalities, are connected by their shared desire for meaning and purpose in the afterlife.

Who are the most significant supporting characters?

The Bachelors: These characters provide comic relief and a contrasting perspective on the seriousness of the other spirits' situations, highlighting the tension between avoidance and acceptance.
Mrs. Francis Hodge: Her compassion and empathy for others make her a key figure in the community of spirits, as she works to support and uplift those around her.
Elson Farwell: His struggle with anger and resentment over the injustices he faced in life highlights the themes of forgiveness and the enduring impact of trauma.

Psychological, Emotional, & Relational Analysis

What are some unspoken motivations of the characters?

Lincoln's need for connection : Lincoln's visits to the cemetery are driven by his unspoken need to connect with his son and find solace in his grief, even if it means interacting with the spirits.
The spirits' desire for validation : The spirits' interactions with each other and with Lincoln are motivated by their unspoken desire for validation and recognition of their lives and experiences.
The Bachelors' fear of commitment: The Bachelors' playful and carefree attitude masks their unspoken fear of commitment and their desire to avoid the deeper issues of life and death.

What psychological complexities do the characters exhibit?

Lincoln's internal conflict : Lincoln is torn between his duties as President and his overwhelming grief, highlighting the psychological toll of leadership and personal loss.
The spirits' denial and clinging to the past : The spirits' inability to accept their deaths and their clinging to the remnants of their earthly lives reveal the psychological complexities of grief and the fear of the unknown.
The Reverend's internal struggle : The Reverend's internal struggle with his faith and his doubts about the afterlife highlights the psychological complexities of belief and the human need for meaning.

What are the major emotional turning points?

Lincoln's first visit to the crypt : Lincoln's initial visit to the crypt where Willie is interred marks a turning point, as it sets the stage for his interactions with the spirits and his journey through grief.
The spirits' collective effort to help Willie : The spirits' decision to work together to help Willie move on marks a turning point, as it highlights their capacity for empathy and their desire for connection.
Willie's acceptance of his death : Willie's eventual acceptance of his death and his decision to move on to the afterlife marks a turning point, as it symbolizes the possibility of peace and liberation.

How do relationship dynamics evolve?

The spirits' initial isolation to community : The spirits initially exist in a state of isolation, but their interactions with each other and with Lincoln lead to the formation of a community, highlighting the importance of connection and shared experience.
The evolving relationship between Lincoln and Willie : Lincoln's relationship with Willie evolves from one of grief and longing to one of acceptance and letting go, highlighting the transformative power of love and loss.
The changing dynamics among the spirits : The relationships among the spirits evolve as they confront their past lives and their fears about the afterlife, leading to moments of both conflict and connection.

Interpretation & Debate

Which parts of the story remain ambiguous or open-ended?

The nature of the bardo : The exact nature of the bardo and its rules remain ambiguous, leaving the reader to question the boundaries between life and death and the nature of reality.
The ultimate fate of the spirits : The ultimate fate of the spirits who move on from the bardo is left open-ended, leaving the reader to ponder the possibilities of the afterlife and the nature of redemption.
The meaning of Lincoln's transformation : The extent of Lincoln's transformation and the long-term impact of his experience in the bardo remain ambiguous, leaving the reader to consider the complexities of grief and the challenges of leadership.

What are some debatable, controversial scenes or moments in Lincoln in the Bardo?

The spirits' attempts to manipulate Lincoln : The spirits' attempts to manipulate Lincoln and influence his actions raise questions about the ethics of their interference and the nature of free will.
The graphic descriptions of the spirits' suffering : The graphic descriptions of the spirits' suffering and their often grotesque physical forms may be disturbing to some readers, raising questions about the limits of empathy and the nature of pain.
The portrayal of Lincoln's grief : The portrayal of Lincoln's grief as both a source of strength and a potential weakness may be controversial, raising questions about the nature of leadership and the role of personal emotions in public life.

Lincoln in the Bardo Ending Explained: How It Ends & What It Means

Willie's departure : Willie's departure from the bardo signifies the acceptance of death and the possibility of peace, but also highlights the finality of loss and the enduring impact of grief.
Lincoln's return to the living world : Lincoln's return to the living world, though marked by a sense of loss, is also a testament to his resilience and his commitment to his duties as President.
The spirits' varied fates : The varied fates of the spirits, some moving on and others remaining trapped, underscore the complexities of the afterlife and the different paths individuals take in their journey through grief and acceptance.