“Lincoln in the Bardo” by George Saunders is an experimental novel set in 1862, focusing on the grief of President Abraham Lincoln after the death of his young son, Willie. The story unfolds in the bardo, a transitional state between life and the afterlife, where Willie encounters a variety of spirits who are also trapped.

Through a blend of historical and fictional narratives, the novel explores themes of loss, love, and the human condition, highlighting Lincoln’s profound sorrow and the impact of the Civil War. Saunders uses a unique narrative style, combining elements of magical realism and historical fiction to create a poignant and thought-provoking tale¹.