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TL;DR: In 1862, during the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln's eleven-year-old son Willie dies and is buried in a Washington cemetery. In the graveyard, ghosts caught between life and afterlife surround Willie. The grieving president visits the crypt, and the spirits try to help Willie move on.
Table of Contents
Lincoln in the Bardo at a Glance
| Author | George Saunders |
| First published | 2017 |
| Type | Experimental historical fiction |
| Best for | readers who like inventive, emotional literary fiction |
Lincoln in the Bardo is a novel by George Saunders, first published in 2017. The novel won the Booker Prize in 2017. It is told in a chorus of voices, including real historical sources, some of which are invented. Below you will find a part-by-part summary, five key takeaways, a few ideas worth remembering and a note on who will enjoy it most. The part-by-part section gives away the plot, including the ending, so skip it if you have not read the book yet.
What Happens, Part by Part (Contains Spoilers)
A death in the White House
Willie Lincoln dies of illness during a party at the White House. Lincoln is overcome with grief.
The bardo
In the cemetery, Willie finds himself in a state between life and death, which the novel calls the bardo. Ghosts, unaware or unwilling to move on, live there.
The ghosts
Three ghosts, Hans Vollman, Roger Bevins III and Reverend Everly Thomas, watch over Willie and try to protect him.
A father's visit
Lincoln comes to the crypt at night and holds his son's body. The ghosts witness his grief.
The risk
The ghosts fear that Willie will be trapped if he stays. They try to persuade him to leave.
Passing on
With Lincoln's love and the ghosts' help, Willie's fate is decided. The ending weaves grief with the larger tragedy of the war.
5 Key Takeaways
- Grief is universal and deeply personal.
- Love continues after death in memory.
- Letting go can be an act of care.
- Leaders are also human.
- Compassion can reach across the living and the dead.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- The form is unusual, like a play with many voices.
- Historical quotes are mixed with invented ones.
- Humor and sorrow appear together.
Who Should Read Lincoln in the Bardo?
Read it if you like experimental fiction. It can take some effort to get into the format.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of Lincoln in the Bardo:
- Which character did you understand best, and what did the author do to make you feel that way?
- Which scene would you change, and what would that do to the ending?
- What does the book say about its main theme that you agree or disagree with?
Quick Facts to Remember
- Book: Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders (2017)
- Type: Experimental historical fiction
- Best for: readers who like inventive, emotional literary fiction
- Main idea in one line: Grief is universal and deeply personal.
Reading Time and Format
Novels differ a lot in length and pace, so check the page count of your edition before you start. If you prefer to listen, many public libraries lend audiobooks through free apps, and a narrated edition can suit a long novel well. Whichever format you choose, a library copy is a low-cost way to try the book before you buy, and used or digital editions are often cheaper than new print copies.
How to Use This Summary
Use this page as a quick reference before a book club meeting, an exam, or a decision about whether Lincoln in the Bardo is worth your time. The takeaways are written to stand on their own. If a point interests you, go back to the book for the author's full argument, examples and style, which no short summary can carry.
A simple way to get the most from it: first read the TL;DR and the takeaways to decide if the book fits your interests, then read the part-by-part section for the structure, and finally write down one idea you want to remember or one question you want answered by the full text.
A Note on Accuracy and Spoilers
This summary is based on the published text of Lincoln in the Bardo, not on any film, series or stage adaptation, which often change the story. Details are kept at the level of the main events so that nothing is invented. Editions differ slightly in length and wording, so page numbers and small details may vary from your copy.
Should You Read the Book?
If you plan to read it, set aside a few evenings and read the opening chapters before you decide. A summary tells you what happens, but the voice and pacing are what make a novel work or not. If you are still unsure, read a free sample or the first chapter, because the opening pages usually show whether the voice and subject suit you. Reviews from readers with tastes like yours can help too, but your own reaction to a few pages is the best test.
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What to Read Next
- Tenth of December by George Saunders: Saunders's short stories
- A Swim in a Pond in the Rain by George Saunders: a book on Russian short stories
- Beloved by Toni Morrison: a haunting novel of memory
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the bardo?
A concept from Tibetan Buddhism for the state between death and rebirth.
Is Lincoln in the Bardo hard to read?
The format is unusual, but many readers find it moving.
Did Willie Lincoln die?
Yes, he died in 1862.
Is Lincoln in the Bardo worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for readers who like inventive, emotional literary fiction. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.
Can this summary replace reading Lincoln in the Bardo?
No. A summary covers the main events and ideas, but it cannot carry the author's voice, detail or pacing. Use it to decide whether to read the book, to refresh your memory or to prepare for a discussion.