This may be the most unusual novel you will read. Here are some descriptors that apply to the book:
outrageous, courageous, imaginative, risky, complex, disturbing, multi-voiced, ambitious, chaotic, empathetic, passionate, collage-like, daring, powerful, strange, and tender.

It is the historical account of the death of Abraham’s Lincoln’s son Willy and the “events” that follow. “Bardo” is a Tibetan word, used also in other contexts, referring to the place and state of consciousness between life and the final resting place. When Willy is interred into the marble crypt, many formerly living people are now spirits which linger in the graveyard, witnessing the the addition of the body and the visits of his father. Most of the characters of the story are dead people who have made the choice to inhabit the bardo. Their dialogue, commentary, and interactions fill half of the volume of the story.

In addition, the author provides whole chapters of citations about Lincoln, his wife Mary, his son Willy, the state of the civil war at the time, and from books, articles, and letters of the time.

Within a jumbled plot are strong themes involving existential matters, enriched by many disparate characters, told in a patchwork collage of snippets and scenes. It sometimes feels like trying to read a story through a kaleidoscope. But, it won the Booker Prize in 2017 and the audiobook won the Audie Prize. I listed to the full production with a large cast and enjoyed it.

It is recommended, but it will not appeal to everyone. (4.4 / 5 stars)