Historical Fiction Book Club - Past Titles: "Lincoln in the Bardo" by George Saunders

1. Narrative Structure:

   • How does the unconventional narrative structure, with multiple voices and perspectives, contribute to the overall reading experience? In what ways does it enhance or challenge the storytelling?

2. Bardo and the Afterlife:

   • Discuss the concept of the Bardo as presented in the novel. How does the depiction of the afterlife influence the characters' experiences, choices, and understanding of death?

3. Abraham Lincoln's Grief:

   • Explore Abraham Lincoln's portrayal in the novel and his experience of grief over the loss of his son Willie. How does grief manifest for him, and how does he grapple with the challenges of leading a nation while mourning?

4. Character Voices:

   • The novel features a multitude of characters, each with a unique voice. How does the use of different voices contribute to the narrative? How do the various perspectives enhance the exploration of themes?

5. Themes of Loss and Regret:

   • Loss and regret are central themes in the novel. How do different characters in the Bardo grapple with their own unresolved issues and regrets? How does this reflect on the human condition?

6. Community and Connection:

   • Despite being in the Bardo, the characters form a community. Discuss the importance of connection and community in the novel. How do the characters support each other in their shared experience?

7. Humor and Tragedy:

   • The novel combines elements of humor with profound tragedy. How does the use of humor enhance or complicate the exploration of grief and loss? In what ways does it provide a unique perspective on the human experience?

8. Transition and Transformation:

   • Characters in the Bardo undergo transitions and transformations. Discuss the significance of these changes in the context of the novel's exploration of life, death, and the afterlife.

9. Historical Context:

   • How does the novel incorporate historical elements, particularly the events surrounding Willie Lincoln's death and the Civil War? In what ways does it blend history with fiction?

10. Narrative Voices and Audiobook Experience:

    • If applicable, discuss the experience of listening to the audiobook, which features a large cast of narrators. How does the use of multiple voices contribute to the audio presentation of the novel?

11. Existential Questions:

    • "Lincoln in the Bardo" raises profound existential questions. What are some of the key philosophical and existential themes explored in the novel? How do characters confront the nature of existence and the passage of time?

12. Author's Style:

    • George Saunders is known for his unique writing style. How does his writing style contribute to the novel's atmosphere, emotional impact, and the portrayal of characters?

The year 1862 was a significant period in history, marked by events across various regions and aspects of life. Here is a historical timeline of key events that occurred in 1862:

January:

• January 30: The U.S. Navy's first ironclad warship, the USS Monitor, is launched.

February:

• February 6: The Battle of Fort Henry takes place during the American Civil War, resulting in a Union victory.
• February 16: The Confederate ironclad CSS Virginia (formerly USS Merrimack) engages with the USS Monitor in the Battle of Hampton Roads, marking the first meeting in combat of ironclad warships.

March:

• March 8-9: The Battle of Hampton Roads concludes with no clear victory, but it marks the beginning of a new era in naval warfare with ironclad ships.
• March 23: The First Battle of Kernstown, a Civil War engagement, takes place in Virginia.

April:

• April 5-6: The Battle of Shiloh occurs in Tennessee during the Civil War, resulting in significant casualties on both sides.
• April 9: The Battle of Fort Pulaski concludes with a Union victory during the Civil War.

May:

• May 20: President Abraham Lincoln signs the Homestead Act into law, providing 160 acres of public land to settlers for a small fee, provided they improve the land by building a dwelling and cultivating crops.
• May 25-July 1: The Peninsula Campaign takes place during the Civil War, with Union forces attempting to capture Richmond, Virginia.

June:

• June 1: The Battle of Fair Oaks (Seven Pines) concludes with inconclusive results during the Peninsula Campaign.
• June 6-7: Union General McClellan's forces retreat after the Battle of Seven Pines, effectively ending the Peninsula Campaign.
• June 19: The U.S. Congress prohibits slavery in the territories with the passage of the Homestead Act.

July:

• July 1-3: The Battle of Malvern Hill is fought during the Civil War, marking the final battle of the Peninsula Campaign.
• July 2: President Abraham Lincoln signs the Pacific Railway Act, facilitating the construction of the First Transcontinental Railroad.

September:

• September 17: The Battle of Antietam (Sharpsburg) takes place in Maryland during the Civil War, resulting in the bloodiest single-day battle in American history.

October:

• October 8: The Battle of Perryville is fought in Kentucky during the Civil War.
• October 31: The British and French governments issue the Joint Intervention Statement, declaring their neutrality in the American Civil War.

December:

• December 13: The Battle of Fredericksburg occurs in Virginia during the Civil War, resulting in a Confederate victory.
• December 31: President Abraham Lincoln signs the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring slaves in Confederate-held territory to be free.

This timeline provides an overview of some of the key events that occurred in 1862, covering the American Civil War, legislative actions, and other notable occurrences.

George Saunders is an American author known for his distinctive style of storytelling and his exploration of human nature, society, and morality. Born on December 2, 1958, in Amarillo, Texas, Saunders has gained widespread acclaim for his works in fiction, including short stories and novels. 

Early Life and Education:

• George Saunders grew up in Chicago, Illinois.
• He attended the Colorado School of Mines and later studied geophysics at the School of Mines in Golden, Colorado.

Transition to Writing:

• While working as a geophysicist in Sumatra, Indonesia, Saunders began to pursue writing seriously.
• He returned to the United States and earned an M.A. in creative writing from Syracuse University.

Literary Career:

• Saunders is renowned for his unique and experimental narrative style, often blending satire, humor, and poignant observations.
• His debut collection of short stories, "CivilWarLand in Bad Decline," was published in 1996 and received critical acclaim for its inventive storytelling.

Notable Works:

• "CivilWarLand in Bad Decline" (1996): This debut collection explores dystopian and surreal scenarios, combining humor with social commentary.

• "Pastoralia" (2000): Another collection of short stories, "Pastoralia" continues Saunders's exploration of contemporary life, consumerism, and societal issues.

• "The Brief and Frightening Reign of Phil" (2005): A novella that satirizes political and social dynamics.

• "In Persuasion Nation" (2006): Another collection of short stories that delves into the absurdities of modern life.

• "Tenth of December" (2013): Widely regarded as one of his masterpieces, this collection received numerous awards and nominations, including the Folio Prize and the National Book Award.

• "Lincoln in the Bardo" (2017): A novel that combines historical fiction with supernatural elements, focusing on Abraham Lincoln's grief over the death of his son.

Recognition and Awards:

• George Saunders has received numerous awards for his contributions to literature, including the Man Booker Prize for "Lincoln in the Bardo" in 2017.

Teaching:

• Saunders is also known for his role as a professor of creative writing. He has taught at Syracuse University and has been influential in shaping the careers of aspiring writers.

Personal Life:

• Saunders resides in California with his family.

George Saunders's works have resonated with readers and critics alike for their inventive narratives, keen observations, and exploration of the human condition. His ability to blend humor with thought-provoking insights has established him as a significant voice in contemporary American literature.