Lincoln's Dreams

[I approach this review with some trepidation. While Lincoln's Dreams has the structure and appearance of Science Fiction, it is not altogether clear that it is Science Fiction. If it is not, then should I really be applying a review template designed for Science Fiction stories. With that caveat behind me, I will now review Lincoln's Dreams as if it is a Science Fiction story.]

What is the Science Fiction Premise?

The premise behind Lincoln's Dreams is that a young lady has an interesting psychological affliction that leads her to dream about the events in the life of Robert E. Lee as if she is seeing them through the General's eyes. These dreams are vivid and contain details that only a scholar of the civil war would know. She is not a Civil War scholar.

(While there are discussions of Lincoln's dreams during his time as president, these are not actually the focal point of the novel. Instead, we re-experience the war through Lee's eyes, not Lincoln's.)

Is the science of the premise explored?

While there is much discussion about dreams both from a clinical and a scientific perspective, the basis for the young lady's affliction remains mysterious throughout the novel. Insofar as the author seeks a scientific explanation of the affliction, the novel feels like Science Fiction. Insofar as no adequate explanation is forthcoming, the novel feels like a fantasy, albeit a very contemporary one.

Is the impact of the premise on an individual explored?

Lincoln's Dreams offers a clear view of how this affliction is affecting the young lady and the people who try to help her.

Is the impact of the premise on society explored?

Lincoln's Dreams does not draw sweeping lessons about society. There is some suggestion that the young lady's affliction may happen to others, but we are not invited to think that the world is somehow different because of that.

How well written is the story?

The book is well-written. It is a moody book with a slow pacing. At times I wished it would get on with it. In the end, however, I appreciated that the pacing was needed to establish the somber mood and the sense of frustration about the young lady's condition.

One of the things that intrigued me about the novel is that it is not about what it appears to be about. Ostensibly it is about Lincoln's dreams, but it is really about Robert E. Lee. Ostensibly it is about the difficulty of experiencing the dreams, but it is as much, or more, about telling the story of the Civil War. And, ostensibly it is about the young lady who has the dreams, but we actually learn far more about the man who helps her and the choices he must make.

Can I recommend the book?

I doubt that everyone will enjoy this book. If the Civil War interests you; that will help. Ultimately, Lincoln's Dreams is more of a drama than an adventure or even a mystery. If action or scientific depth are essential to your appreciation of Science Fiction; you are likely to find this book wanting. It is much more about mood, emotion, and relationships among the people.

Tar Daddoo