The Unfinished Work: A Novel of Abraham Lincoln

by Jeff Shaara

New York Times bestselling novelist Jeff Shaara brings to vivid life the man, public and private, who guided the U.S.A. through its most troubled, conflicted Abraham Lincoln.

"It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced." —The Gettysburg Address, 1863

New York Times bestselling novelist Jeff Shaara, renowned for his body of work exploring the conflicts and personalities surrounding key moments in American history, turns his attention to one of the most consequential figures during one of the most critical points in Abraham Lincoln. As only the finest of historical novelists can do, Shaara brings to life the travails and conflicts, victories and tragic defeats, the legends and the history, both personal and private of Lincoln during the country's most pivotal years.

Beginning with his election as President in 1860, through his time in the Oval Office, Shaara reveals the complexities behind the man who refused to let the deep divisions and conflicting emotions permanently sunder the country itself, at great personal cost.

The Unfinished Work is the finest work yet by one of the most popular, most acclaimed historical novelist of our time, a capstone to a life's work.

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin’s Press

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Civil War, Historical, War, Presidents, Politics

Audible Audio

Expected publication December 1, 2026

About the author

JEFF SHAARA is the award-winning, New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of seventeen novels, including Rise to Rebellion and The Rising Tide, as well as Gods and Generals and The Last Full Measure—two novels that complete his father's Pulitzer Prize-winning classic, The Killer Angels. Shaara was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, grew up in Tallahassee, Florida, and lives in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

Reviews

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 solid stars for a novel about Abraham Lincoln's life from election night, Nov. 1860, to the Gettysburg address in Nov. 1863.
The author explains that "this book is as true to history as I could make it." There are frequent quotes from speeches, letters and Lincoln anecdotes. He also mentions that "No single individual in American history has been written about as often as Abraham Lincoln. No American president is as well respected."
I believe that the author has accurately captured Lincoln's personality, along with his wife Mary, who may have been bipolar.
The prose flows smoothly, and I did not find it too long at 592 pages.
There are some new to me insights into Lincoln. He met with previous President Millard Fillmore in Buffalo, NY while en route to Washington, DC in February, 1860.
Thank You St. Martin's Press for sending me this eARC through NetGalley.

Pub Date Nov 10 2026

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

"As I would not be a slave, so I would not be a master..." - Abraham Lincoln

The Unfinished Work is a gripping work of historical fiction which takes readers from the time that Abraham Lincoln is elected as president in 1860 to when he gives his famous Gettysburg Address. This book not only follows Lincoln, his family, his cabinet, and the victories and the trials of his presidency. He may have been born in a one room cabin, but he went on to live in the White House and changed history in the process. He was a lawyer, a husband, a father, and is considered to be one of the best presidents the United States has ever had.

"With malice toward none, with charity for all..." - Abraham Lincoln

This is a BIG book coming in 592 pages and yet it did not feel big or long. I loved reading about Lincoln, his family, and how he formed his cabinet by choosing men he felt would do the best for the country even if they ran against him or had differing political opinions. This book relies heavily on facts and speeches. I found this book to be riveting, and I enjoyed the blend of Lincoln's personal life along with his political life. I also liked how much his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln,, was included in this book. She herself was a fascinating person who is believed to have bipolar disorder. Her shopping, desire to fit in, and her grand shopping sprees.

“Do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends?” ― Abraham Lincoln

The author clearly did a tremendous amount of research in writing this book. As I mentioned, this book is long in length and yet I wanted more. I enjoyed seeing Lincoln evolve from being an inexperienced president wanting to do what he felt was both morally and ethically best, to being a leader with strong convictions. I completely enjoyed how this book was told and how the information was presented.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Katie B · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

Thank you St. Martin’s Press for the free copy!

THE UNFINISHED WORK is an historical fiction novel featuring Abraham Lincoln. The story kicks off on November 6, 1860, Election Day. He then leaves his home in Springfield, Illinois and heads to Washington D.C for his inauguration. It’s a stressful time as states are seceding from the Union and barely a month into his presidency the Civil War begins. The book takes you thru the challenges Lincoln faced and ends right as he delivers his famous Gettysburg Address.

There’s a wide range when it comes to the historical fiction genre and this book is heavily fact based rather than the author going in a creative direction. The writing is closer to a nonfiction style and for that reason it’s a book to learn from rather than pick up as a casual read. It’s obvious the author did a ton of research and it was informative and gave a clear picture of the president’s political and family life during these years.

At over 550 pages it’s a whopper of a read but throughly covers this important time period in American history.

[Dr. Alan Albarran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this historical novel by Jeff Shaara. The book begins with Lincoln winning the 1860 Presidential election, and concludes with the Gettysburg Address.

It was fascinating to read the "dialogue" between Lincoln and so many of the principals in this book--of course his wife Mary and sons, cabinet members Seward and Stanton (and others), Army generals, his personal secretaries John and Nicolay, and interactions with the staff of the Executive Mansion (as the author points out it was not called the White House until 1901). On a lighter note, many of Lincoln's "stories" and jokes are spread throughout the book, giving us a feel for the Lincoln personality.

Lincoln struggles to adapt to the Presidency, questioning his lack of experience with military matters, his own bouts with depression and sadness, and the difficulty in dealing with spouse Mary, who clearly suffered from her own form of depression and melancholy, especially the early loss of two young sons.

Shaara portrays Lincoln for what he is, a trusting and inexperienced politician learning how to become President at a time when the country is falling apart due to secession, slavery, and the Civil War. We see Lincoln growing in stature by 1862 and 1863, recognizing his role as Commander in Chief, and responsible for the fate of thousands of soldiers.

There are many poignant moments in the novel. HIs decision to move forward with the Emancipation Proclamation. His growing relationship to Secretary of State William Seward, a man many thought would be elected President in 1860 is delivered through many conversations. The same is true for Edwin Stanton and his role as Secretary of War. I was especially fascinated by an early conversation with former President Millard, Fillmore, and later ones with Frederick Douglas. Sadly, no direct conversations with Ulysses Grant made it in the book.

Of course, we don't have historical transcripts of the actual conversations that took place among the characters, but it still provides for a fascinating presentation.

Personally, I would like to have seen the book continue past the Gettysburg Address. The final chapter does quickly detail the main points we know as Americans: Lee's surrender at Appomattox Courthouse; Lincoln's assassination at Ford's Theater (Shaara says Lincoln was shot twice by Booth?), the later deaths of Tad, Mary, and Robert Lincoln.

The author does not specify what constitutes the "unfinished work." The reader can of course make their own interpretations such as reconstruction and its failures, the re-unification of the Union, and so forth.

I want to thank the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an opportunity to read this historical novel. I give it 5/5 stars and recommend it to lovers of Civil War History and the Lincoln Presidency.

[Mary Vogelsong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of The Unfinished Work: A Novel of Abraham Lincoln. Publication Date: Nov 10 2026.

Jeff Shaara specializes in turning historical events into historical fiction. I'd like to think that the things he writes about are true, but with historical fiction, I can't assume that.

Some distinctions Shaara highlights which you may not find in non-fiction histories include the complete lack of discipline of Lincoln's children; Tad's menagerie of animals in the White House; Mrs. Lincoln's compulsive shopping; Mrs. Lincoln's obsession with the occult; Mrs. Lincoln's devotion to wounded soldiers; Lincoln's close association with his secretaries, particularly Nicolay; and Lincoln's love of cats.

Shaara is fond of using sentence fragments, especially when he wants to accelerate the pace of the narrative. I'm not a fan of breaking grammatical rules, but evidently his editor has no problem with it. The fragments aren't as prolific in The Unfinished Work as in some of Shaara's previous books.

Shaara ends the story with a pinnacle moment: Lincoln's masterful speech, the Gettysburg Address. This is entirely fitting. Few literary works approach the perfection of this short but powerful oration. Shaara summarizes the rest of Lincoln's life and those of other major characters.

If you value immersion in the period and easily imagined scenes such as Lincoln propping his long legs on the presidential desk, you'll enjoy this fictional version of history.

[Dave Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jeff Shaara’s "The Unfinished Work" gave me something I didn’t realize I wanted: insight into Abraham Lincoln as a person rather than an icon. We all know the Great Emancipator, the Civil War president, and the man tragically assassinated just as the war ended. Shaara gives us a chance to spend time with the warm, witty, sometimes awkward man behind that familiar image. Lincoln has strong convictions, but with the exception of his two faithful secretaries, he’s hardly surrounded by people eager to follow them. Instead, he’s constantly criticized by politicians, generals, journalists, abolitionists, and others convinced that he’s moving either too quickly or nowhere near quickly enough.

The military side of the story was particularly fascinating: Lincoln’s patience with a parade of disappointing Union commanders becomes almost painful, particularly with General George McClellan, a talented organizer and self-promoter who was perpetually convinced that the Confederate army was far bigger, stronger, and more dangerous than it actually was. Again and again, Lincoln pushes for action while McClellan finds reasons to wait. Shaara also gives considerable attention to emancipation and the political and moral pressures surrounding it. The result is a Lincoln who isn’t simply issuing historic proclamations from behind a desk, but a relatable man who's struggling to hold together a country, an army, a cabinet, and his own principles while almost everyone gives him advice about what he’s doing wrong.

I also came away with a much fuller picture of Mary Todd Lincoln. Her fears for her family at times seem excessive - she was a fearful woman - but two of the Lincolns’ four sons died before reaching adulthood, and they lived in an era when childhood illness could turn frighteningly serious overnight. The Executive Mansion (later renamed the White House) feels surprisingly domestic, with unfettered boys and cats running everywhere, against the enormous tragedy unfolding outside its doors. "The Unfinished Work" occasionally feels longer than the story requires, and there were stretches where I already understood the point being laboriously made. Still, I enjoyed it quite a bit, expanding my understanding of Lincoln without diminishing the historical figure I already knew. It turns out that the awkward, funny, exhausted, stubborn human being is considerably more interesting than his larger-than-life monuments.

[Christopher B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book. Having read many of Jeff Shaara’s books, I think this one is the best. It is unique and captivating as it tells the story of Lincoln’s presidency through Lincoln’s own perspective. The reader experiences the stresses, pain and Lincoln’s unique humor through the war’s events and family experiences and tragedies. Excellent

[JoAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Unfinished Work” is another interesting and enjoyable book by Jeff Shaara, author of one of my favorite historical fiction books, “Gods and Generals.” It covers the time period from Abraham Lincoln’s election in 1860 to the time of his Gettysburg Address.
What made this book most interesting to me was that the story is told through Lincoln’s experiences and reactions to the situations in which he finds himself in the days leading up to his auguration and during his presidency. Readers see Lincoln’s dealings with political foes, his staff, and his wife, all against the backdrop of secession and war. There is also a passage where Lincoln is dealing with his emotions and depression.
Thanks to NetGalley for an advance copy for review.

[Jennifer Ross · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Shaara is a master of his craft, once again, bringing history to life. While the facts of Lincoln’s presidency may be known and written about for years, it is not until now that his essence, humanity, and struggles are truly captured. Shaara allows readers to consider and understand the human side of Lincoln as a father, husband, colleague and friend - and how his respect for all men forged the future of this nation. Well done!

[D · Rating 3 out of 5]

It should be noted that this review is of a uncorrected galley proof supplied by NetGalley in exchange for this review.

This is an interesting way of dealing with a familiar story, with a seemingly inexhaustible fund of extraordinary dramatic power.

It is unlikely that we will ever reach a full understanding of the extraordinary personality. That was Abraham Lincoln. This work makes a determined effort. This galley proof requires further editing, as it is playing by minor type of typographical errors throughout, the author also has the annoying habit of describing a characters thought process using commas as connectives, which seems an odd stylistic choice. Also, a book ends abruptly at the Gettysburg address, four reasons that are not readily apparent and are really not explained.

[June Price · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

I was whisked back to the eve of Lincoln's election from the very first moment I started reading. Shaara has that power, to make you feel like you're there, that you know this character, and that is the magic of his words. With Lincoln, who I've read tons of books about, I immediately liked this seemingly humble, awkward man who's pants legs were always a bit too short for his long legs. We learn about the beard and top hat early on, just one of the little bits of info we pick up as we read. The younger boys seem to be energetic and more enjoying the adventure of moving into the White House than awed while wife Mary Todd Lincoln sees it as a step up the social ladder. I recently read the lengthy bio of Mary and still haven't quite wrapped my brain around how her brain worked, but money and prestige seemed to play a vital role there and in this work. Whereas Lincoln seemed to suffer from moments of depression that made him sort of sink into himself, she, well, went shopping. Not a good look during a time of financial struggle to support a war. In any case, it was intriguing to get a sort of behind the walls look at the main players, from the entire Lincoln family to the politicians and other power players that surrounded the American government of the time. It was also interesting to get a view of Washington DC as it was then, such as the still unfinished Washington Monument and the state of the White House.

It isn't my goal here to summarize the story but as an Alaskan, think Seward's Folly, getting to know Seward as a person was intriguing. I think until now the only things I really knew about him concerned his purchase of Alaska and that he was attacked and nearly killed the night Lincoln was assassinated. We even meet his son/family. Of course, the focus is on Lincoln, whose awkwardness and seeming dislike of being front and center mislead many into underestimating him. While this is a novel not a biography, Shaara notes upfront that his goal was to use his own words and those of others to capture his personality and the way he viewed the world, not to mention how the world looked at Abraham Lincoln. He gives us a look at not just Lincoln but his fabled administration through his own eyes. I liked that Shaara includes his humor, too, which tied nicely with the very human man we get to know. The image of Lincoln on the floor wrestling with his two youngest sons still makes me smile. The many different relationships and connections covered, including family, friends, opponents, generals, and even the average people who trudged through the White House to air grievances or ask favors, all relationships that helped make Lincoln the President he was, are intriguing. I have to admit, though maybe it was just me, but meeting Pinkerton early on with his concerns for safety and seeing how Lincoln sort of brushes them off are a bit chilling, of course, knowing history. Can you imagine any president being able to walk through the dark streets alone nowadays? BTW, the book can basically ends as Lincoln gives the opening of his Gettysburg Address although the not so upbeat lead up to the assassination follows and how it impacted many, particularly Mary and oldest son Robert, are encapsulated in the section that follows. Use your own discretion on whether to read on from Gettysburg Address or not, in other words. I rather appreciated Shaara's careful structure there...even if I did read on.

Bottom line, even knowing this is a historical novel, given Shaara's reputation and my own experiences reading his other works, I lean toward this being a reasonably accurate presentation of Lincoln the man, President, and now myth. On thing that struck me, no, two things, show how times differed. Early on, we see how painfully slow election returns were counted and shared. Then, it struck me how used we have become to instant communication in our modern world. Any communication between Lincoln and, say, his generals was slow, surely painfully slow for those needing to know. Heck, if I read correctly, Lincoln hadn't even met his first Vice-President until he was elected. Anyway, my sincere thanks to #StMartin'sPress for this early look at this insightful look at a span of history that not only fascinates me but shaped the USA in ways no one could have imagined.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know that anything with the name Shaara attached to it is going to be excellent, and Jeff Shaara’s new historical novel, The Unfinished Work: A Novel of Abraham Lincoln, is no exception. Beginning when Lincoln is elected president and continuing through his time in the Oval Office it is an up close and personal look at one of the most troubled, conflicted times in our history and at the man who had to find the courage to make tough decisions knowing full well the possible consequences of those decisions.

So much has been written about him, we think we already know everything there is to know about President Lincoln: his not always smooth path to the Oval Office, the treachery and resistance he met not only from Democrats and slaveholders but also from members of his own cabinet, his generals and others he believed he could trust, his personal family tragedies and his wife Mary’s fragile emotional state. The Unfinished Work is an historical novel, a work of fiction, but through his deep, diligent, intensive research Shaara brings these people, these events, these encounters to life and makes them seem real.

You are there when Lincoln sits patiently on the receiving end of another tirade from Mary – her place in society, leaving Springfield and going to Washington too soon, not leaving Springfield and going to Washington soon enough, her memories of their son Edward and her refusal/reluctance/inability? to move on. Side stories and backstories of those Lincoln wanted to offer positions in his cabinet, willful disregard of his wishes and orders from those in the field, the constant underestimation of Lincoln and his abilities. We’ve read all of this before and have a sense and appreciation for how difficult and stressful his life was at this time, how he often had to fight for every victory or bit of agreement from others. Reading about it is one thing; hearing it told through dialogue takes it to another level. You feel as if you are there; you want to make the conversation end or take another turn.

Shaara has done a remarkable job of portraying this emotional turbulent time and the man at the heart of it with even more emotion, more turmoil, more distress – and more admiration for the thoughtful man who tried to balance it all. I received an advance copy of The Unfinished Work from St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley READ NOW. It was interesting, absorbing, told a familiar story in a deeper way and provided new information. I recommend it without hesitation. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.

[Jacqui · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a fan of Jeff and Michael Shaara’s historical nonfiction and novelized nonfiction books. This one by the son is an interesting approach to President Abraham Lincoln, from his humble acceptance of the fledging nation's top job to leading it through Civil War. The facts are all true. What turns it into a novel is Shaara's liberal interpretation of dialogue and interior monologue on the part of the characters in this drama. He tells the story through several sets of eyes. Lincoln is primary, but also his troubled wife Mary, his reluctant Secretary of State Seward (best known for the purchase of Alaska called Seward's Folly), and then others. Through these viewpoints, we see Lincoln's common sense approach to the nation's difficulties, how he blended them into his own frenetic personal life, and the part wife Mary plays on his actions. She is consumed with the impact her husband's duties and demands will have on her and whether she will be well treated in her new Washington home. No matter how frivolous they may sound, Lincoln never fails to respect her and respond to her needs.

There are a few surprises. Lincoln like President Trump didn’t drink. Mary Todd Lincoln was a disturbed woman from Day One, something I hadn't realized. The outgoing President, Buchanan, was one of the many US presidents who served more as caretaker than problem solver, considered success when no one was mad at him. On the same morning Lincoln became President, Jefferson Davis was inaugurated president of the Confederate States of America. Lincoln called his wife mother and she called him father. That's a start. You'll find more.

Overall, this is an excellent read like all the Shaara books. I always looked forward to opening it when my free time came. 

--Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC copy in return for my honest review

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing, intimate portrait of Abraham Lincoln.

The Unfinished Work offers a fascinating glimpse into Lincoln’s thoughts, emotions, and the incredible pressures he faced during one of the most consequential periods of his life—from his election as president through the delivery of the Gettysburg Address.

Of course, this is historical fiction, and Shaara necessarily fills in the private moments that history cannot document. But he does so in a way that makes Lincoln feel remarkably human and real. I felt like I was getting to know the man behind the president—the weight he carried, the decisions he struggled with, and the people who surrounded him during those difficult years.

I especially enjoyed getting to know Lincoln’s family, his secretaries John Nicolay and John Hay, and the members of his household staff, including his valet and butler. Those relationships added another layer to the story and made the White House feel less like a distant historical setting and more like a home filled with people trying to navigate an extraordinary and often heartbreaking time.

Shaara has a wonderful ability to take history we think we know and make it feel personal. By the time Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address, I felt that moment carried even more weight—not simply because of its place in American history, but because I had spent the pages leading up to it with the man himself.

If you enjoy historical fiction, especially stories that bring well-known historical figures to life as real, complicated human beings, I highly recommend The Unfinished Work. It gave me a deeper appreciation for Abraham Lincoln—not just as the 16th President of the United States, but as a husband, father, friend, employer, and profoundly burdened man trying to lead a divided nation through its darkest hour.

Thank you to NetGalley for the Advance Readers Copy.

[The Book And The Vibe. A Mostly Historical Fiction Podcast · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rounded up from 4.5 stars.

HERE'S THE VIBE...
Pour a bourbon for whoever's your resident Civil War guy — or a strong cup of coffee in honor of a president who famously barely drank. This puts you right next to Lincoln walking home alone on gaslit Springfield streets to tell his wife he's won the Presidency, and by the end feels like saying goodbye to a friend.
READ (OR LISTEN TO) THIS WHEN...
you want to stop seeing the stovepipe hat and start seeing the man, told through close, documented history that earns its handful of emotional gut-punches instead of manufacturing them.
YOU WILL LIKE THIS IF you are open to having a historical fiction read that stays rigorously close to real documented sources rather than taking dramatic liberties — Shaara spent months in primary texts and clearly didn't want to invent much. You WON'T like it quite as much if you want a narrator who feels novelistic and quotable in his own head — this one reads more like thinking out loud than crafted prose, at least at first.
BOOK CLUB VIABILITY...
Or, read it with your dad/grandpa/uncle. A great one to hand across generations — someone's resident history buff can fill in what you don't know, and you compare notes, the same way the author clearly wants you to leave feeling like you knew the real man, not just the shadow on the penny.

I provide spoiler-free, vibe-forward historical fiction reviews with dashes of real history in order to enhance - but never spoil - your reading experience in the podcast. Listen to the episode for more in depth review and bits of history.

[Steven Conger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read many of Jeff Shaara's books, as well as the books of his father. When I was presented with the opportunity to read and review his newest work, I jumped at the opportunity.

I am a huge reader of the Civil War, having quite an extensive library, on individual battles and the leaders who guided their respective causes. My first experience with Lincoln was Carl Sandburg's six volume set that was in my home growing up. While I love historical fiction, I was a little hesitant when I started The Unfinished Work. I need not have been.

Sharra does an amazing job of of bringing Lincoln to life. His interactions with his boys, and with Mary Todd Lincoln move him from the dusty places of history and make him very real. This is a fast read due to Shaara's great writing style.

I am always fascinated what one author focuses on and leaves behind. This is the story of Lincoln the human, not the savior. If you want to understand his nuances, read Doris Kearns Goodwin's amazing book, but if you want to meet Lincoln, up close and personal, I highly recommend this book.

He ends the book with the Gettysburg Address, which is an interesting choice. The war is far from over (far from certainty who will win) and much of what makes Lincoln the mythological figure he becomes takes place after this even. But, through Shaara's narrative, we get Abraham Lincoln.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's press for the ARC.

[Tim · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

Jeff Shaara consistently delivers well-written, engaging books, and The Unfinished Work is no exception. The story flows smoothly from shortly before Lincoln’s election through the end of his life, with a welcome closing update on many of the people featured along the way.

Shaara does a wonderful job of conveying Lincoln’s frustration with his generals and presenting the major battles through the president’s perspective. I particularly enjoyed his portrayal of Mary Lincoln’s personality and her interactions with her husband and his staff. Weaving the press’s opinions into the narrative also adds depth, showing the public scrutiny Lincoln faced throughout the war.

The imagined dialogue and inner thoughts of the key figures make this historical fiction, yet it rarely feels like a novel. Based on the nonfiction books I’ve read, Shaara stays grounded in history while bringing these people and their struggles to life. Some might not appreciate how they are portrayed, but the characterizations struck me as consistent with my other reading.

My one wish was for more coverage of Grant. The years after Gettysburg felt compressed, and another ten pages could have added to that part of the story without slowing the book’s pace.

An excellent read that I would recommend to anyone interested in Lincoln or the Civil War. The manageable chapters and engaging storytelling make it accessible even to readers new to the subject—and keep you wanting to read just one more chapter.

[John Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeff Shaara delivers once again. The Unfinished Work allows the reader to sit in the room with one of our country's greatest presidents. Similar to his recent work on Teddy Roosevelt, Mr. Shaara’s storytelling provides a gripping, first-person account of Lincoln’s presidency.

While there are so many relationships in this book worth highlighting that it's difficult to pick a favorite, I particularly enjoyed the exploration of his dynamics with his generals. While I already had some familiarity with Lincoln’s frustrations with his military leadership during the Civil War, Shaara’s writing really enables you to better understand the era. He makes you realize that almost all of Lincoln's communications with the Military leadership were handled via letter or telegram, with very few face-to-face interactions.

​The book does a masterful job of showing Lincoln’s evolution as a leader throughout his presidency, highlighting his early relationship with General McClellan as a stark contrast to his more decisive decision-making toward the end of the war.

Furthermore, without giving anything away, I truly appreciated the way the book ended. Shaara does a wonderful job of concluding the novel in a way that allows the reader to appreciate all the other facets of Lincoln's presidency highlighted earlier, without being abruptly pulled into the horrific and tragic end of his life.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

592 pages

5 stars

I didn’t really know very much about President Lincoln the man, and his wife Mary. I was excited to receive a copy of this book.

Mr. Shaara is well known for his research and scholarship. I knew this book would be as true to history as he could make it.

I was very taken with the author's portrayal of President Lincoln. He became President during a very unfortunate time in history. Lincoln loved the United States and held the Constitution sacred. He was kind and very contemplative; careful in his observations and decisions. He believed that all men were equal, regardless of their “color.”

Lincoln hated the war between the States. He worked very hard to resolve it - to see the reunification of the union - North and South into the United States once again. He struggled over the tough decisions he had to make about supplies, equipment, soldiers and Generals. Many times, he became impatient. He often questioned his own judgment. He leaned on his Cabinet and advisers listening carefully.

He was a very great man. He was elected at precisely the right time in history.

I want to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for forwarding to me a copy of this remarkable book for me to read and enjoy. The onions expressed in this review are solely my own.

[Jeannine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jeff Shaara’s Unfinished Work: A Novel of Abraham Lincoln is a compelling and deeply moving historical novel that brings Abraham Lincoln and the turbulent final years of the Civil War vividly to life. Shaara combines meticulous historical research with engaging storytelling, creating a portrait of Lincoln that feels both authentic and remarkably human.

What makes the novel especially effective is its focus not only on the enormous political and military challenges Lincoln faced, but also on the personal burdens he carried. Shaara captures Lincoln’s determination, compassion, humor, and profound sense of responsibility while showing the uncertainty surrounding the war’s outcome and the nation’s future.

The historical detail is impressive, but the book never feels like a textbook. Instead, the events and characters unfold naturally, drawing the reader into the era and making the stakes feel immediate. Shaara’s writing also provides thoughtful insight into Lincoln’s relationships and the difficult decisions that shaped the closing chapter of the Civil War.

Unfinished Work is an absorbing and thoughtful addition to the literature surrounding Lincoln. It should appeal to readers who enjoy historical fiction, Civil War history, or simply a well-told story about one of America’s most consequential presidents.

#unfinishedwork #netgalley

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Unfinished Work by Jeff Shaara.

This was my first introduction to Jeff Shaara, although my husband has enjoyed several of his WWII novels. The Unfinished Work opens with Lincoln running home to tell Mary that he won the election and ends with the Gettysburg Address (11/7/1860 - 11/19/1863). I appreciated the timeline heading up each chapter/section. I liked that this featured snapshots of everyday life and wasn't solely about the war. The multiple points of view really added depth to the narration, making this an informative read without being dry. It was particularly interesting to see the character and humor of Lincoln come through. Mary was a piece of work, though! And there was so much tragedy in there lives, which really humanized the Lincolns for me.

5/5 stars. I enjoyed the depth and complexity of many of the historical figures explored in this novel - President Lincoln, Mary, Seward, Stanton, Hay and Nicolay, McClellan, Meade, Grant, etc. I've already pre-order the hardcover copy of this book, as well as Shaara's book on Theodore Roosevelt, The Old Lion. Highly recommended for anyone interested in fact-based and well-researched historical fiction.

Thank you to NetGalley, Jeff Shaara, and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read the eARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

[David Tade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read many of Jeff Shaara's books previously, such his Civil War books as well as his book in the Mexican American War and his two volume series in the American Revolution and others, I leaped at the opportunity to read his latest offering, An Unfinished Work, focusing on Lincoln's Presidency up the end of the Gettysburg Address.
All I can say is that I had a difficult time putting this book down, as I rate it among his very best. Much if what he covers in the book is well known, but the personal touch of each individual character he adds is what, to me, drives the narrative of this book.
Perhaps the best compliment I can pay any author, is that in their writing, they take you to the exact time, place and location in which they are writing and immerse you completely in it. Shaara's writing in all of his books I have read succeed in doing so and this book in no exception.
Having read Doris Kearns Goodwin's Team of Rivals, which Shaara acknowledges at the end of this book and Gore Vidal's Lincoln, which I rate as two of the best, this offering from Shaara is every bit the equal of these two books.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from NetGalley

Jeff Shaara (& his father Michael) is one of my favorite authors, so I was pleased to be able to read an advance copy of his newest book about Abraham Lincoln. Shaara’s pens the story of the 3 years from Lincoln’s election to his delivery of his Gettysburg Address. Shaara’s well research writing shares Lincoln’s perspective of the politics, military leadership or lack of abolishment of slavery and war that almost tore our country apart. Shaara’s story helps the reader understand what made Lincoln one of our greatest presidents. Lincoln’s kindness, patience, astuteness, shrewdness, intelligence and love of the Constitution is brought to life in the dialogue with others and in his mind. So many good nonfiction books have been written about Lincoln’s life and presidency, Shaara’s novelization of Lincoln can proudly stand alongside those titles.

[Susan Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to St. Martin's Press for the chance to read this pre-pub on NetGalley.

"The Unfinished Work" is absolutely riveting. I've never read Jeff Shaara, but now I have a new author on my favorites list.

Much like Spielberg's "Lincoln," which gave a cinematic glimpse into the struggles of Lincoln, here, too, Shaara exposes the vulnerable, kind, bewildered, and oftentimes melancholy heart of a great man.

Walking through the day-by-day, never-ending struggles of Lincoln's first term and ending quite appropriately at Gettysburg, I was entranced by the authenticity of every word, every sentence of dialogue, and every emotion laid bare that Shaara wrote.

For anyone who wants to be inside the mind of Lincoln, and others he was surrounded by during this time, The Unfinished Work is an astounding piece of historical fiction.

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley *

5 stars.

The book follows Abe Lincoln’s life between his presidential election and the Gettysburg Address, driven by letters, journals, and historical accounts. Blending the Civil War with the turmoil within the Executive Mansion helps bring a new light to the world Lincoln was forced to tread daily.


What better way to dive into one of my favorite historical figures than with a novel done by one of my favorite authors, Jeff Shaara. While I know some of not most of the personal conversations are not 100% accurate, it helps paint a beautiful portrait of what it must have been like for Lincoln to take office and immediately deal with the chaos of the Civil War. Spellbinding and driven storytelling made this an incredible read.

[Scott Breslove · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

Wow. At over 600 pages that was quite the undertaking, especially since it was a DRC I had to read it on my phone and iPad, not exactly my preferred method of reading, but that takes nothing away from the book. It was excellent, mainly covering the time from when Lincoln was elected President up to the Gettysburg Address. I find everything about Lincoln, his life, his death, the conspiracy around his death, all of it to be fascinating, and this book was no exception. It’s amazing how much we know about everything they did, said and thought back then, although I’m sure most of it is from letters they wrote each other and newspaper articles and the such from the time. It always makes me wonder how much of it is actually 100% legit and how much is fabricated by the author, although I hope that’s not the case.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jeff Shaara has always been, and will always be my favorite historical fiction writer. He has proven this once again with this wonderfully written, touching story of our beloved 16th president.

Mr. Shaara takes Abraham Lincoln from the start of his first presidential win up until and including his iconic Gettysburg address. He constructs an intimate portrait of a man thrust into the center of a growing union crisis as well as personal events that he must navigate through, usually by himself. All in all, a flawed human being dealing with astronomical circumstances and dealing with them the best he can.

This book is due to be released in November, 2026. I recommend it highly and hope you add it to your reading list.

[Sharon Brewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book about Abraham Lincoln! This book gives the reader a peek at the anguish Lincoln went through during one of the toughest times in United States history. It is so well written-at times, I felt like I was there. It also introduces readers to the men that were around him and helping to make the hard decisions. Several times, I went to google in order to learn more. I also liked the way he included Lincoln's family. It was interesting to read about Mary Todd Lincoln and their sons. I am not sure how they survived the death of their sons as well as running the country. If you like books about Lincoln, I highly recommend this book. It is a masterpiece! I plan to read more from this author!

[Jeffrey · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

‘The Unfinished Work’ was successful in several ways. Abraham Lincoln is iconic, often deified and yet Jeff Shaara presents him as a man with worries and doubts, a person who makes a bad joke when he can’t read the room, someone who is completely up for the job but knows the power of a competent team. Mary Todd Lincoln becomes a well-rounded complex person and not just the list of odd behaviors that get mentioned. The author also works historical events into his fiction in detail without hindering the story’s pacing. Finally, even with knowledge of Civil War battles, the suspense that is built up as we await word from the front along with these characters is felt in ‘The Unfinished Work’. Well worth reading.

[Becky Rosas · Rating 5 out of 5]

My thanks to NetGalley for the advanced reading copy of this book. Once again, Jeff Shaara does not fail to give an awesome rendering of Abraham Lincoln. He takes us from the election of Abraham Lincoln and his first term through the early days and months of the Civil War. He shows the suffering that Lincoln endured as he tried to hold the country together. He gives amazing detail about Mary, Todd Lincoln, and those around him but the best by far is his description of what Abraham Lincoln must’ve gone through during his first and the most of his second term. It would make a an amazing movie Bravo, sir.