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Cover of Lincoln in the Bardo
Literary Fiction· United States

Lincoln in the Bardo

by George Saunders
Aggregate Editorial Score100/100
★Booker Prize
Published 2017426 pagesEnglish
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About This Book

When George Saunders published Lincoln in the Bardo in 2017, it quickly found its place in the broader tradition of literary fiction. President Lincoln visits the Georgetown crypt where his eleven-year-old son Willie lies, while a host of ghosts (the bardo's inhabitants) witness his grief and are stirred by it. Saunders's innovative debut novel—told in competing voices and historical fragments—won the Booker Prize and defies easy categorisation. Themes of grief, death, Lincoln run through the work. The book has received recognition from Booker Prize 2017 and Kirkus Reviews 2017.

Book Details

AuthorGeorge Saunders
Published2017
Country of Origin🇺🇸 United States
LanguageEnglish
Pages426
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9780812995343
Editorial Score100/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

Explore all Literary Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇺🇸 United States

This book is part of United States's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from United States →

Editorial Assessment

First published in 2017, George Saunders's Lincoln in the Bardo is a work of literary fiction that has drawn sustained interest from critics and prize committees alike. Its engagement with grief, death, Lincoln, history gives the book a depth that extends well beyond its genre. Critics and institutions have consistently placed Lincoln in the Bardo among the notable works of its period. Among its recognitions: Booker Prize 2017; Kirkus Reviews 2017. Our aggregate score of 100/100 is compiled from 2 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. Readers coming to Lincoln in the Bardo for the first time will find a work that rewards patience. The book's handling of grief, death, Lincoln, history is layered rather than didactic, and a second reading often reveals dimensions the first pass only hinted at. George Saunders's role in the literature of United States is well established. Lincoln in the Bardo can be read as both a standalone achievement and as part of a broader national literary conversation about identity, history, and the possibilities of narrative form.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 2 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Booker Prize
winner · global
201791
Kirkus Reviews
notable · global
201711
✍️
About the Author
George Saunders
United States
View Author →

George Saunders is a celebrated author from United States known for influential works of literary fiction.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lincoln in the Bardo about?

President Lincoln visits the Georgetown crypt where his eleven-year-old son Willie lies, while a host of ghosts (the bardo's inhabitants) witness his grief and are stirred by it. Saunders's innovative debut novel—told in competing voices and historical fragments—won the Booker Prize and defies easy categorisation.

Who wrote Lincoln in the Bardo?

Lincoln in the Bardo was written by George Saunders, from United States. First published in 2017.

What awards has Lincoln in the Bardo won?

Lincoln in the Bardo has received the following awards and honours: Booker Prize 2017; Kirkus Reviews 2017.

Is Lincoln in the Bardo worth reading?

Lincoln in the Bardo is one of the most critically acclaimed books ever written, with an aggregate editorial score of 100/100 on 50 Best Books, based on mentions across 2 editorial sources. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in grief, death, Lincoln.

Where can I buy Lincoln in the Bardo?

You can buy Lincoln in the Bardo on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Lincoln in the Bardo?

Lincoln in the Bardo is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is Lincoln in the Bardo from?

Lincoln in the Bardo originates from United States's literary tradition. Explore more books from United States on our country page.

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