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Lori asked this question about Lincoln in the Bardo:
Just finished this and need a little help: 1) still not sure why Mr. Bevins appears with multiple eyes, legs, etc and 2) still a bit unclear on the reverend's journey--am struggling with why he was turned back to the "Bardo" and what he decided to finally do--more faith, more sacrifice? Any help or speculation appreciated!
Dh This is an interesting discussion, and I appreciate it. I finished the book yesterday, having sometimes thought about not finishing it as I went. I th…moreThis is an interesting discussion, and I appreciate it. I finished the book yesterday, having sometimes thought about not finishing it as I went. I think I would have liked it much better if it had been a short story. (Saunders is unrivaled as a short story writer, in my opinion.) I think it went on too long without significant developments.
What I liked:
1) the incredible array of voices, each one so distinctive and pitch-perfect
2) the unbelievable use of language--I marveled at the author's perfect word choice again and again and how his use of the exactly right words allowed him to present extremely disturbing statements/memories without crossing the line into sensationalism or other offensiveness.
What I didn't like so much:
1) the use of Abraham Lincoln (I don't see that the book had much to do with Lincoln, other than as a time frame).
2) the lack of a point that resonated with me. I'm not that interested in theology, and any morality here beyond that seemed pretty thin.

But if anyone wants to enlighten me further about anything I might have misunderstood, I'll be glad.(less)
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Lincoln in the Bardo
by George Saunders
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