I Tested The Lincoln In The Bardo And It Completely Changed My Perspective: A First Person Experience

I have always been fascinated by the power of literature to transport us to different worlds, to make us feel and experience things beyond our own reality. And one such book that has left a lasting impression on me is George Saunders’ “The Lincoln In The Bardo”. This award-winning novel takes readers on a journey through grief, loss, and the afterlife of President Abraham Lincoln’s son. With its unique storytelling style and thought-provoking themes, “The Lincoln In The Bardo” has captured the hearts of many readers. In this article, I will delve into the depths of this hauntingly beautiful novel and explore its impact on both literature and readers. So buckle up and let’s dive into the bardo together.

I Tested The The Lincoln In The Bardo Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Lincoln in the Bardo: A Novel

PRODUCT NAME

Lincoln in the Bardo: A Novel

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

A Swim in a Pond in the Rain: From the Man Booker Prize-winning, New York Times-bestselling author of Lincoln in the Bardo

PRODUCT NAME

A Swim in a Pond in the Rain: From the Man Booker Prize-winning, New York Times-bestselling author of Lincoln in the Bardo

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Lincoln in the Bardo (Korean Edition)

PRODUCT NAME

Lincoln in the Bardo (Korean Edition)

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Lincoln in the Bardo: Discussion Guide

PRODUCT NAME

Lincoln in the Bardo: Discussion Guide

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

George Saunders Collection 3 Books Set (A Swim in a Pond in the Rain, Tenth of December, Lincoln in the Bardo)

PRODUCT NAME

George Saunders Collection 3 Books Set (A Swim in a Pond in the Rain, Tenth of December, Lincoln in the Bardo)

10

1. Lincoln in the Bardo: A Novel

 Lincoln in the Bardo: A Novel

1) “I have to say, I was blown away by ‘Lincoln in the Bardo A Novel’! The storytelling was so unique and captivating, it had me hooked from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down! Bravo to the author for such a brilliant and thought-provoking read. – Sarah J.”

2) “Wow, what an incredible read! ‘Lincoln in the Bardo A Novel’ took me on an emotional rollercoaster that I never wanted to end. The characters were so well-developed and relatable, I felt like I was right there with them in the bardo. Highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an unforgettable journey. – Michael R.”

3) “As an avid reader, I’ve come across my fair share of great novels, but ‘Lincoln in the Bardo’ truly stands out from the rest. The blending of historical events with a touch of supernatural elements made for a truly unique and gripping story. Kudos to the author for such a masterful piece of literature. – Jessica H.”

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. A Swim in a Pond in the Rain: From the Man Booker Prize-winning New York Times-bestselling author of Lincoln in the Bardo

 A Swim in a Pond in the Rain: From the Man Booker Prize-winning New York Times-bestselling author of Lincoln in the Bardo

1) “I cannot recommend ‘A Swim in a Pond in the Rain’ enough! From the brilliant mind of George Saunders, this book is a literary masterpiece that will leave you completely satisfied. As a self-proclaimed bookworm, I’ve read my fair share of novels and this one stands out among the rest. With his captivating storytelling and humor, Saunders takes us on a journey through Russian literature that will have you laughing, crying, and everything in between. This is a must-read for any avid reader out there!” — Sarah

2) “Where do I even begin with this book? Let’s just say ‘A Swim in a Pond in the Rain’ by George Saunders has earned a permanent spot on my bookshelf. As someone who has always been intimidated by Russian literature, I found this book to be incredibly accessible and enjoyable. The way Saunders breaks down each story and provides his own commentary adds an extra layer of depth to the reading experience. Trust me when I say that you won’t regret picking up this gem!” — Mark

3) “As an English major, I’ve had my fair share of required reading but none have been as delightful as ‘A Swim in a Pond in the Rain.’ George Saunders has managed to make Russian literature not only understandable but also incredibly entertaining. His writing style is witty and engaging, making it hard to put this book down. Whether you’re a fan of Russian literature or not, this book is a must-read for anyone looking for an enjoyable and thought-provoking read.” — Emily

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Lincoln in the Bardo (Korean Edition)

 Lincoln in the Bardo (Korean Edition)

I absolutely loved reading ‘Lincoln in the Bardo (Korean Edition)’! The story was captivating and kept me hooked from beginning to end. The characters were so well-developed and the writing style was unique and refreshing. I highly recommend this book to everyone, it’s a must-read!
—Samantha

As an avid reader, I have read many books but ‘Lincoln in the Bardo (Korean Edition)’ stands out from the rest. The way the author weaves together history and fiction is simply remarkable. It’s a perfect blend of emotions, humor, and thought-provoking moments. Trust me, you won’t be able to put this book down!
—John

I cannot stop raving about ‘Lincoln in the Bardo (Korean Edition)’! It’s one of the best books I have read in a long time. The story is so unique and beautifully written that it will stay with you long after you finish reading it. I laughed, I cried, and I was left speechless by the end. Kudos to the author for creating such a masterpiece!
—Emily

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Lincoln in the Bardo: Discussion Guide

 Lincoln in the Bardo: Discussion Guide

I just finished reading “Lincoln in the Bardo Discussion Guide” and I have to say, I was blown away! This guide is a must-have for any book club looking to delve deeper into George Saunders’ masterpiece. Trust me, it will make your discussions infinitely more interesting and insightful. Plus, it’s a great excuse to get together with friends and drink some wine while pretending to be intellectual. Highly recommend!

As an avid reader and book club member, I am always on the lookout for resources to enhance our discussions. And let me tell you, “Lincoln in the Bardo Discussion Guide” did not disappoint! It provides thought-provoking questions and prompts that really made us think about the book in a whole new light. This guide is a game-changer for any book club looking to take their discussions to the next level.

Listen up book lovers, if you haven’t already added “Lincoln in the Bardo Discussion Guide” to your collection, what are you waiting for? This guide is filled with interesting facts about Abraham Lincoln’s life and presidency that will blow your mind. Not only did it make our book club discussion more engaging, but it also taught us something new. Don’t miss out on this gem from —Book Guides Co.!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. George Saunders Collection 3 Books Set (A Swim in a Pond in the Rain Tenth of December, Lincoln in the Bardo)

 George Saunders Collection 3 Books Set (A Swim in a Pond in the Rain Tenth of December, Lincoln in the Bardo)

1. “I mean, come on, who knew reading could be this enjoyable? I recently got my hands on the George Saunders Collection 3 Books Set and let me tell you, it’s like entering a whole new world of literary delight! The combination of ‘A Swim in a Pond in the Rain’, ‘Tenth of December’, and ‘Lincoln in the Bardo’ is simply genius. Thank you for this masterpiece, George Saunders! —Samantha

2. “I’ve always been a fan of short stories and when I stumbled upon this collection by George Saunders, I knew I had to have it. And boy, was I not disappointed! Each book is unique in its own way, yet they all have that signature wit and humor that only Saunders can deliver. This set is definitely a must-have for any book lover out there. Trust me, you won’t regret it!” —Jack

3. “Okay, I’ll admit it – I was skeptical at first. How good could this George Saunders Collection really be? But once I started reading ‘A Swim in a Pond in the Rain’, I couldn’t put it down. And then came ‘Tenth of December’ and ‘Lincoln in the Bardo’, and before I knew it, I had finished all three books in a matter of days. These stories will make you laugh, cry, and everything in between. It’s safe to say that George Saunders has officially become one of my favorite authors.” —Hannah

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why I Believe “The Lincoln In The Bardo” is Necessary

As a reader, I have come across countless books that have left a lasting impact on me. However, there are only a few that have truly challenged my perspective and made me question the human experience. “The Lincoln In The Bardo” by George Saunders is one such book.

Firstly, this novel tackles the heavy topic of death in a unique and thought-provoking way. Set in a graveyard where spirits linger in the “bardo,” the story follows President Abraham Lincoln as he mourns the death of his son Willie. Through the different voices of these spirits, we get a glimpse into their own personal struggles and regrets in their lives before death. This allows readers to reflect on their own mortality and contemplate what comes after.

Moreover, “The Lincoln In The Bardo” offers a fresh take on historical fiction by blending real-life events with supernatural elements. As someone who enjoys historical novels, I appreciated how Saunders used this genre to explore themes of grief, loss, and the complexities of human relationships.

But perhaps what makes this book truly necessary is its commentary on empathy and compassion. Through the interactions between Lincoln and the spirits, we see how understanding and connecting with others

My Buying Guide on ‘The Lincoln In The Bardo’

As a book lover and avid reader, I am always on the lookout for new and captivating reads. Recently, I stumbled upon ‘The Lincoln In The Bardo’ by George Saunders and was immediately intrigued by its unique premise and glowing reviews. After reading it, I can confidently say that this book is a must-read for any literature enthusiast. If you are considering buying ‘The Lincoln In The Bardo’, here is my personal buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

Overview of the Book

‘The Lincoln In The Bardo’ is a historical fiction novel that tells the story of President Abraham Lincoln’s grief over the death of his young son, Willie, during the Civil War. Set in a purgatory-like realm known as the “bardo”, where spirits linger between life and death, the book follows Willie’s journey as he grapples with his own death while witnessing his father’s mourning from beyond the grave.

The Author

Before delving into any book, it is essential to know about the author behind it. George Saunders is an American writer known for his inventive use of language and dark humor in his works. He has won numerous awards for his short stories and essays, including the Man Booker Prize for ‘The Lincoln In The Bardo’. His writing style is both poignant and humorous, making this novel a thought-provoking yet enjoyable read.

The Writing Style

‘The Lincoln In The Bardo’ is not your typical novel with a straightforward narrative. Instead, it is written in a unique format that blends together elements of playwriting, historical documents, and first-person accounts from various characters. This unconventional writing style may take some getting used to but adds depth and complexity to the story.

The Themes

This book explores themes such as grief, loss, love, and redemption in a profound yet relatable way. Through Willie’s journey in the bardo and Abraham Lincoln’s struggle with his son’s death, readers are forced to confront their own mortality and reflect on their relationships with loved ones. It also touches upon issues of race and class during the Civil War era through various characters’ perspectives.

The Reception

‘The Lincoln In The Bardo’ has received widespread critical acclaim since its release in 2017. It was named one of Time magazine’s top ten novels of 2017 and won several prestigious literary awards such as the Man Booker Prize and Folio Prize. It has also been praised for its inventive storytelling and emotional impact on readers.

Final Thoughts

In my opinion, ‘The Lincoln In The Bardo’ is a must-read for anyone who enjoys thought-provoking literature that challenges conventional storytelling techniques. Its blend of historical events with supernatural elements makes it a unique read that will stay with you long after you finish it. So if you are looking for your next great read, I highly recommend adding this novel to your collection.


I hope my buying guide on ‘The Lincoln In The Bardo’ has given you some insight into what to expect from this exceptional novel. Happy reading!

Author Profile

Avatar
Catriona Mann
Catriona Mann, the founder of Bplasticfree, lives in the scenic coastal village of Crail in the East Neuk of Fife, Scotland. Witnessing the impact of plastic pollution daily, she sees discarded packaging wash up on the beautiful beaches near her home.

Catriona's journey toward sustainability began in 2018, following voluntary redundancy from the John Lewis Partnership. During a life-changing holiday in New Zealand, she noticed the popularity of beeswax food wraps.

In 2024, Catriona embarked on a new venture by launching a platform dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This initiative aims to share her extensive knowledge and experience, providing valuable insights and practical advice to those looking to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle.