Mr. Lincoln's Wars: A Novel in Thirteen Stories

by Adam Braver

Mr. Lincoln's Wars marks the emergence of a remarkably gifted writer. In this wildly inventive, highly ambitious collection, Adam Braver explores Abraham Lincoln's inner life and personal turmoils -- while also reflecting on the indelible impact Lincoln had on the nation during the last year of his presidency. Writing with lyrical yet muscular prose, Braver brings Abraham Lincoln to life, not just as the strong and resilient president of history books, but as a griefstricken father, heartbroken over the loss of his young son. Narrated from the multiple perspectives of Abraham Lincoln and those whose lives he touched, Mr. Lincoln's Wars shows a president who is distraught over his inability to keep his country from destroying itself through civil war and a man who is fighting inner demons during a time of great crisis. Across a rich canvas of truth and imagination, Mr. Lincoln's Wars reveals the president in his darkest hours within the White House walls. We see Lincoln as he explores the meaning of loss through a chance encounter with the father of a slain soldier. And a goodhearted young Union soldier is quickly turned into a killer in the name of President Lincoln. Finally, there is the assassination and the autopsy, as seen through the eyes of John Wilkes Booth, Mary Lincoln, the assistant surgeon general, and one of Lincoln's closest friends. Brilliant in its depiction of the country during the waning days of the war, the book is an insightful and moving exploration of the myth of celebrity and the passions it arouses. More than anything, however, Mr. Lincoln's Wars introduces a talented new writer whose storytelling ability knows no bounds.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Civil War, Historical, War, Adult, Book Club

320 pages, Hardcover

First published January 2, 2003

About the author

ADAM BRAVER is the author of Mr. Lincolns Wars, Divine Sarah, Crows Over the Wheatfield, November 22, 1963, and Misfit . His books have been selected for the Barnes and Noble Discover New Writers program, Borders Original Voices series, and twice for the Book Sense list. His work has appeared in journals such as Daedalus, Ontario Review, Cimarron Review, Water-Stone Review, Harvard Review, Tin House, West Branch, and Post Road. He teaches at Roger Williams University in Bristol, RI, and at the NY State Summer Writers Institute."

Reviews

[Patrick Sprunger · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am new to the concept of historical fiction. Not knowing the conventions of the genre may have prevented me from judging Mr. Lincoln's Wars fairly. Perhaps I should be writing two reviews and giving two scores for Mr. Braver's idea. It is, after all, two things.

As fiction, Mr. Lincoln's Wars employs beautiful prose. Lincoln is an enticing subject, perhaps as perfect a tragedy as one can find among real human beings. Braver's narrative captures both the personal and national sadness. His principle success is in the fact he does so without crutches. There are no clichés, even vernacular devices work subtly. The zoetrope-like shape/motion of the anthology gives the impression of a moving picture, when the reader is actually viewing a series of static images through slits in a revolving drum. This is one of the wisest, most creative ways to depict the period between 1862-65 I have ever come across.

Unfortunately, Abraham Lincoln was a real person. Not only that, but he is one of the best-known American personalities of the 19th century. He is so well known, in fact, that a reader like myself is aware that the president swore only in jest - and then, sparingly. And President Lincoln laughed. A lot. Moreover, he tried whenever possible to uplift others. Braver's president holds court more like a dour, overcast JFK. The language would have been authentic for Kennedy's Oval Office, but not for the house of Lincoln. Also suspect is the author's treatment of the 19th century American female character. For starters, 19th century society women did not swear, especially not in public or to unfamiliar men. Secondly, if they were the least bit candid about their sex lives the details were shrouded in dense euphemism. Again, Braver's women might not be out of place in the 1960s, but do not correspond to 1860s reality.

So, the author is off by a hundred years where his subjects (both specific and in general) are concerned. Is it a problem? Well, since his specific subject is Abraham fucking Lincoln* and his general one is a generation preserved in obsessive detail through period novelists, playwrights, and correspondents, I'd say yes. It's a big problem, actually.

Four stars for prose.
Two stars for historical plausibility.
Average: Three stars.

*Apologies, but if you can't read my swear words, you won't be pleased with the author's either.

[Sheldon Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book was very detailed and period correct

[Ivy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stories direct and indirectly about Lincoln and his family. Loved the variety, insight, and period characterizations.

[Brianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 13 stories are arranged out of order chronologically, but there does seem to be an emotional pattern to their assembly. I was a little confused by the placing of the last story, which seemed to create a sense of hope -- a hope that was completely smashed to bits in the preceding stories (which were set later in time).

However, the book was an intriguing read. The stories really build up this inevitable devastation, and give you a sense of the solemnity of the man that was Abraham Lincoln.

//

I rated it 4 stars, but the fourth star is more for "fresh rating" than for being a book I'm likely to purchase or re-read.

Also, it's likely this book was more interesting and accessible to me because I've recently read parts of "Lincoln's Melancholy", making the human and tragic side of Old Abe fresh in my mind.

Of course, it's also likely this book was more interesting to me because I am a big nerd.

//

Note to self: In case you do ever re-read this, don't get too excited by the fact that the first story "No More Time For Tears" reminds you of beck's style of writing. It doesn't really last, and anyway it's not that kind of book. (Though it could be, if it mentioned his first partner, like Lincoln's Melancholy did) But you really wouldn't want it to be that kind of book.

Also, skip "Zack Hargrove". You just can't handle it.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here's another book that I very much recommend (if you are interested in this period of US history). This book is a compilation of several individual, yet connected, stories about Abraham Lincoln, and the different personal and political struggles he suffered. We see his grief over the loss of his son and the loss of lives in the war. We also see Lincoln's assassination through the eyes of John Wilkes Booth, and his autopsy through the eyes of his doctors and wife. These are very vivid stories, and fascinating to read.

[Lora · Rating 1 out of 5]

I think the author had a creative idea to take some known factual situations and write short fictional stories to expand the possibilities and engage the reader. This book did not go beyond that interesting idea. The author tried too hard to shock the reader with completely unrealistic situations (like a letter to Lincoln from a woman describing herself being bottle-raped by her husband) and unnecessary violence and crass language. Sorry I ever picked it up and sorry I ever read even a part of it. I could find no redeeming value to the book.

[Annie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hated this book!!! I read the first few stories ( it is broken down into 13) and they were full of profanity, which I did not enjoy but I kept reading until I got to about the 5th story which was DISGUISTING and DISTURBING and I wished I had stopped reading earlier. DO NOT read this book. there is absolutley NOTHING upslifting about it and the author seems to be a VERY dark , perverted person. YUCK!

[Amber · Rating 1 out of 5]

60 pages in and I have hated all of stories so far. I loooove Civil War books and had high hopes for this work of historical fiction as the author is very talented. The content though is just so brutal and disgusting and since its broken into 13 stories without any sort of connection/interwoven thread its all just unappealing.

New shelf created - the pass shelf. This shelf is for books I try to read but I can't get through.

[Margaret Pinard · Rating 3 out of 5]

+ 18 'little Negro girl with hoofprints branded into her face, looking up at the ceiling like she still has one more round of screaming to do' 303 bittersweet 'in praise of happiness'
- 4 'his feet a shoulder's stride apart' 23 'sliced the seam of his pant leg & laid it flat' 70 'by the true definition of a man, he swallowed back his emotions' 157 'the sloppiness of his lower lip routinely saggin under a bourbon weight betrayed the alliterative erudition of his name' 209 'his joined eyebrows that looked like a dress sock glued to his forehead' 259 'busy clearing the antique furnishings off an 18th-century end table that he would convert into a desk to detail the procedure for his final report' 277 'they did it, didn't they.'

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book very disturbing and violent but somehow beautifully written as well. We see Lincoln as not only a president but also a man indelibly changed by his grief when he loses his adolescent son, Willie. Willie's death is referenced many times throughout these 13 stories. Lincoln's personal turmoils and those of everyday people in 1865 make up the bulk of this fiction. As with all short stories, some are better than others. There is one about a marital rape and one with a brutal killing of a horse. I couldn't stomach those. One of the last is about Lincoln's autopsy and is a real masterpiece. This is a talented writer and I will look for other works by him.

[Patrick Barry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much has been written about Lincoln and I've read my share so it's understandable if folks are weary of books about the 16th President. But his book is different. Told in 13 short stories that bring to life certain incidences in Lincolns life. The burdens of war and grief weigh heavy in this collection. It gives insight to Lincoln the man. One of the best stories is Lincoln's talk with the undertaker for his son Willie, a man who will ultimately prepare his body after he is assassinated. Very imaginative stories. Four stars.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I chose to read this book for these reasons: my busy life could accommodate a book of short stories as I could read one at a time, and it centered on Lincoln, who I admire. I think Adam Braver' writing is exquisite as you feel, smell, hear, and see the sights, sound , and emotions of his character. Some of the scenes are not comfortable to see. I did not give it a higher rating as often the stories did not read smoothly. However, there are short stories contained in this book that did touch me.

[Blossom Storms · Rating 3 out of 5]

The idea was a good one: 13 stories from the viewpoints of various characters connected to Lincoln and the Civil War. I appreciate that the author actually did research to base his stories in some truth, but unfortunately, not all of the stories were that compelling to me. A few were really good and highly enjoyable but too many were long and tedious that it took me longer to finish the book than it should of.

[JD · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of 3 star reviews here, and I would have too, but the ending chapter gripped and held me and I had to read it slower because I didn’t want to lose the image of Lincoln with his son Robert. I gave it 4 stars. Braver did a phenomenal job with the many different characters portrayed here.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It is made up of short stories from different people in Mr. Lincoln's life, exposing their view of him in the moment. It memorialized him in a way I had never experienced before.

[Abby Berg · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unnecessarily gross/violent - had to quit. Not down with horse murder!!

[Rocketkoala · Rating 3 out of 5]

You know those books you'd three star all the way through, then four star at the end because it gave you a feeling?

[Joe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adam Braver is a fantastic writer. Thirteen short stories set in the Civil War era with Lincoln as a peripheral presence that occasionally makes an appearance either in person or in the opinion or ideology that has the primary character in their current predicament. The stories start with a bang, or a mean hump, are colorfully wrought and end with an abrupt and perfectly timed conclusion that leaves the reader in a daze with a smile as we comprehend the quality of Braver's writing. Beautiful and creative.

So why didn't I enjoy this book more. I can't completely put my finger on it, but I'll start by saying that I think the short story format doesn't work for me. I like to read cover to cover and can hardly stand to read magazines and newspapers, with short stories that I have to flip through different sections to follow. When I read a magazine, I rush it. I keep checking to see how much longer the story is. That is how I felt with these stories.

The other thing that I found distracting was a novel based on real people and events. Braver could have written these same stories based on anybody, or on nobody, and they would be just as good. I picked this book up when I started reading Team of Rivals so I wouldn't have to lug Doris Kearns Goodwin's 900 page tome around. It turns out that Braver was writing around actual events which is a plus and a minus. It is a novel so, while Braver may have researched and included many facts, the fiction is embellishment. There is a lot of contemporary profanity. Perhaps/probably people were just as outspoken, crass and obscene then as now, but it seemed out of place from my vague knowledge of the era and made many of the other factual elements suspect.

Finally, one of my pet peeves is when a recording artists releases a Christmas album with all of the old familiar songs set to a different melody. It grates on me... even makes me angry. Either be original or leave it alone! Now, Braver is very original and did not make me angry, but the embellished on real events grated on me a little and it was distracting.

Still, I think I have Adam Braver at #2 behind Zora Neale Hurston for sentence construction. A really good writer.

Correction: Braver could not have written this about anybody or nobody. After reading other reviews I have to add my commendation to the brilliance of perspective compiled from these short stories, about this tumultuous time, into a whole.

I'm a little amused at reviewer's references to gratuitous violence and obscenity in a time when people were owned as slaves, misogyny was the likely norm and 50,000 Americans killed each other over 3 days at Gettysburg alone. Unbelievable horror.

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

UPON PICKING UP THE BOOK: I'm intrigued by the OLIVE KITTERIDGE approach to an historical figure.

UPON FINISHING IT: What works well (powerfully, even) are the author's intimate portrayals of people in the throes of grief and their attempts to heal (with mixed success) or at least accept the loss of loved ones. There are moments of profound grace and ones of violent anger, both of which the reader experiences fully and sympathetically. The novel that emerges from these thirteen fractured short stories is greater than the sum of its parts and ultimately motivated a reluctant forgiveness of its all-the-more glaring faults.

Speaking of which ... what does not work so well (nor at all, sometimes) are the systemic, not infrequent moments in which the author insists upon telling, not showing. All too often a delicate cadence is shattered when a subtextual premise or thematic idea comes screeching up into the text itself, creating awkward, poorly-executed moments in which the author apparently feels suddenly, irresistibly compelled to spell out a character's motivation or opinion (that was already more than clear), thereby shattering many a fragile, until-then-shrewdly-built verisimilitude.

I cannot finish my review without remarking upon the surprisingly high number of GOODREADS members who apparently required their own fainting couches over the language and sexual situations contained herein. The language may be occasionally coarse, but easily less so than a vast majority of contemporary fiction. A main point of the book is clearly that these were actual, flesh-and-blood people -- too often idealized and confined to pedestals not of their own choosing. They swore. They lusted. They occasionally achieved their goals and/or fulfilled their desires in less than noble ways. Yet this apparently upsets far more people than the equally-frank, graphic descriptions of battle and its attendant mutilation(s)?

Those so outraged by the book's frank depictions of (what they clearly judge to be) some of humankind's baser aspects might do well to ask themselves why they're so bothered by the inescapable truth that if previous generations hadn't copulated both regularly and enthusiastically, none of us would be here today.

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there is one book that became dear to me in the recent time, it would be Adam Braver‘s Mr. Lincoln’s Wars: A Novel in Thirteen Stories.

It is a fictionalized life story of the 16th President of the United States of America, Abraham Lincoln. It explored his personality as a father, as a president and as a politician in general.

Adam Braver achieved an in-depth understanding of Mr. Lincoln’s life that was successfully carried across among readers. This book manifested his strength amidst country’s Civil War and his own personal war – the death of his beloved son, William. It made me empathize with how it felt like to be a husband/father and at the same time president of the most powerful country.

Apart from that, Braver thoroughly explored the political situation back then while citing instances that showed how politics really works.

There is one special message from this book that really appealed to me. It was when Abraham Lincoln was asked by a soldier how it feels to be president. Lincoln said, “It is like fighting a thousand wars.”

In this book, I also learned more about principle, loyalty, discrimination, slavery, sacrifice and heroism.

This is a must-read for anyone who has passion for world history and politics.

http://flipthrough.wordpress.com/2010...

[Karin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the 'approach' to this novel. It was 13 viewpoints of what we know happened to the Lincolns and as a result to our country. There are one or two stories I didn't like, however, and thought they could have been edited a bit. The ones I liked the best were those describing the mind set of Mary and Lincoln. Those seemed to be the most 'authentic' as far as a mother's suffering at the loss of a child and of a man in torment during a very unpopular war.It put a 'human' face on an icon and on a meligned woman.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Lincoln is told in 13 short stories told from different perspectives - Lincoln, his wife, John Wilkes Booth, soldiers, the coroner, his friend, etc.

It's a dark story that brings the heroic historical figure to life as a man struggling to overcome his past, lead a country, love his sometimes "off" wife, and battle the depression that comes from losing a child.

It was a very good read, particularly after returning from vacation in DC where I saw Ford's Theater, the house he died in, etc.

[Tanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really clever way to see this controversial icon. I developed a greater respect for Lincoln as Braver paints a fictional background using historical events to reflect the turbulant division the Civil War caused for Americans in that day and how it is not so different from the lines drawn in America today in supporting humanity or a cause, just or unjust. 13 short stories snap shot 13 different perspectives of the tortured man who was President Lincoln.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are looking for a fast read, this is a good book to pick up. At times I felt like the book did not remain in character - well am appropriate time piece anyway. But at other moments I was completely drawn into how Lincoln was being depicted as worrying over the war and his own sadness after his son's death. Instead of feeling like a novel the book is more like a series of short stories with a central theme.

[Jamon · Rating 1 out of 5]

Interesting, but I did not like seeing Lincoln in a bad light. I found that the author tried too hard to put a story in place that was not there. I would never recommend this book to anyone and I HATE the NY times for raving about it.
The only redemming quality is the ending, where thauthor berates Lincoln for the entire book, and then in the end you find out that Lincoln is a man of integrity. I did not need to have him dragged through the mud to find out he is clean.

[Gabby · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was so excited to find this book! I loved the idea of the stories (especially being about good old Abe), and I was sure it would be fabulous. Unfortunately, the stories seemed very inconsistent to me. I LOVED a couple of them, finding some really beautiful & moving moments. But, it wasn't enough to make up for the majority of stories that I really did not enjoy. Some stories were unnecessarily graphic or vulgar, and others were uninteresting. Maybe I had too high hopes..

[Jan C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thirteen stories shich basically take place between his second inaugural speech and his death with one kind of flashback story to 1849.

I really only realized it was the second inaugural after the fact when he was someone (probably John Wilkes Booth) say that he was close enough to kill him.

I thought each of the stories were well written and interesting. They have a basis in history but are not mired in it.

[Angela Christianson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this literary novel up because it was about Lincoln but I'm not sure how I feel about it. Written by a literature professor, this is a fictionalized account of many parts of Lincoln's life. There is a very brutal scene involving the abuse of a horse that I had a VERY hard time with and found very gratuitous and couldn't figure out why he included it. I'm not sure I'd recommend this one to anyone. If you do read it, let me know what you think of it.

[Mama · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was SO disappointed!!! I loved the idea for this book - thirteen short stories about people involved with Lincoln and the Civil War. But NO - it's TRASH!!! Vitriolic and vulgar. It's not clever or insightful, it's just mean spirited and stupid. I chucked it 1/2 way through. Lindsay -Don't waste your time on this one!