Mr. Lincoln's Wars: A Novel in Thirteen StoriesIn this 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. Braver brings the president to life, not just as the strong and resilient leader of history books but also as a grief-stricken father, heartbroken over the loss of his young son. Across a rich canvas of truth and imagination, Mr. Lincoln's Wars reveals a president 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 good-hearted 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, this book is an insightful and moving exploration of the myth of celebrity and the passions it arouses. More than anything, Mr. Lincoln's Wars introduces a talented new writer whose storytelling ability knows no bounds. |
From inside the book
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... hear ? " " Please , Mary . ” He hushed his voice . " If it wasn't for you ... " " Mary . " " You're a pox , Abraham Lincoln , you bring tragedy to everything you touch . Kill off all the boys in this country , as well as your own ...
... hear being the president, what people must want or expect, and the graciousness and respect he must need to exude at all times. But at this I saw something in him change, like the flickering light of a fading candle, the strength ...
... hear it . “ Like he was resting on a heavenly bed . ” And while talking , I had the realization that sometimes saying things that aren't exactly truthful is not necessarily bad or evil . Sometimes it's even necessary . Just to keep ...
... “Didn't you hear me, Zack? War's good as over.” Zack shifted a little. He put his hands inside his coat and rested them on his belly for warmth. “I heard this all before , " he finally said . " Always someone 30. } {. Adam Braver.
... hear . Lincoln himself is going to Richmond for the victory . " There was a true moment of silence between the two men . Then Simpson said out loud how nice it would be if the war ended so he could go back to his bride and baby daughter ...
Contents
11 | |
25 | |
The Idiot Brother | 47 |
The Willie Grief | 67 |
His Stepmothers Sister | 89 |
A Letter to President Lincoln from a Good Girl | 97 |
The Ward | 107 |
On to the Next Field | 131 |
Crybaby Jacks Theory | 149 |
The Sad and Familiar Ballad of Captain | 181 |
The Necropsy | 195 |
A Rainy Night in Springfield Illinois1849 | 289 |
A Word on Researching Mr Lincolns Wars | 305 |