After the Fact

Pilgrim #2

by Fred Saberhagen

Pilgrim, a traveler lost in time and space, whose only hope for returning home is to alter history, attempts to prevent the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction, Time Travel, Alternate History, Fantasy

285 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published March 1, 1988

About the author

Fred Saberhagen was an American science fiction and fantasy author most famous for his ''Beserker'' and Dracula stories.

Saberhagen also wrote a series of a series of post-apocalyptic mytho-magical novels beginning with his popular ''Empire of the East'' and continuing through a long series of ''Swords'' and ''Lost Swords'' novels. Saberhagen died of cancer, in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Saberhagen was born in and grew up in the area of Chicago, Illinois. Saberhagen served in the [[U.S. Air Force]] during the Korean War while he was in his early twenties. Back in civilian life, Saberhagen worked as an It was while he was working for Motorola (after his military service) that Saberhagen started writing fiction seriously at the age of about 30. "Fortress Ship", his first "Berserker" short shory, was published in 1963. Then, in 1964, Saberhagen saw the publication of his first novel, ''The Golden People''.

From 1967 to 1973, he worked as an editor for the Chemistry articles in the ''Encyclopædia Britannica'' as well as writing its article on science fiction. He then quit and took up writing full-time. In 1975, he moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico.

He married fellow writer Joan Spicci in 1968. They had two sons and a daughter.

Reviews

[Johnny · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the Fact, the second novel surrounding the mysterious Pilgrim of Pyramids, features that age-old time-travel riddle: what if one could go back and change a significant event in history—an assassination, a fatal miscommunication, an act of aggression, or a political election? In this case, protagonist Jeremiah Flint is manipulated into engaging with the Abraham Lincoln assassination. Such a well-known bit of history (and Saberhagen’s telling of the story rang true to my own visit to Ford’s Theater and the bed across the street where Lincoln’s bloody head had rested) would seem to offer only a few diverging possibilities, yet After the Fact went a very different direction than I thought it was going. Saberhagen chose a very clever solution to the potential paradox and ripple effects from changing history. I’m not going to spoil it, but I like what happened.

After the Fact is a very satisfying science-fiction adventure. If one is going to write about time travel, it certainly is interesting to consider paradoxes and possibilities regarding the Lincoln assassination. I was fascinated as the protagonist of the latter took his train trip across the U.S., especially with the armistice celebrations as perceived from trackside. My only disappointment was that the denouement of the second story left me wishing there was a sequel to explore what happened to Jeremiah Flint and his supporting characters. Otherwise, this would be a straight five-star review.

[Gary Fortuin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Time travel books can either be awesome in their cleverness, or leave you scratching your head at the end wondering what it was you just read. This falls somewhere in the middle. Not having rad the first book in the series may have handicapped my enjoyment for the second. But, if you put Abe Lincoln on the cover of a science fiction novel, i’m more likely to read it than not.

Saberhagen tells a complicated tale of subterfuge leading up to the assassination of Lincoln himself. His sketch of America during this time is ample and doesn’t get bogged down in historic details. The characters are also sketched in general terms as well. The plot, although dicey at times, wraps up in a satisfying way.

I likely won’t try to track down the other books in the series, but getting this one for fifty cents off a bargain rack was worth my time.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting use of second most popular Alternate History tropes (what if Lincoln hadn't been killed), most popular being the two based on Hitler. Really a travel back in time. This is not a spoiler, but main character was sent back to 1865 with absolutely NO preparation, not even anything about his assumed identity. This must be just sloppiness on part of Saberhagen or the Pilgrim. But it's still a time traveling romp.

[hotsake (André Troesch) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a little slow and an abrupt ending but it was an entertaining read.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Second (and last) in the Pilgrim series. Part of the disappointment here is that the series doesn't continue past this book, and so questions are left unanswered. The basic plot, involving Lincoln, Wilkes Booth, time travel and the like, is very engaging, although the writing is perhaps a bit hurried and there is no real attempt at characterization--this, again, is sci-fi/fantasy for the sake of escapism/adventure. As long as you say to yourself, "what is wrong with that??", you'll enjoy the read. In the end, this won't likely be an easy book to find at this point, and will most likely appeal to Saberhagen enthusiasts.

[Edmund Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was some really great sci-fi.

I never read the first one, but how about a job interview that turns out in being sent back in time against your will to stop Lincoln's assassination!

Just can't go wrong with that. :)

[Mark Yashar · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a light, entraining, and quick read, better than I thought it would be. It's the second
book in Saberhagen's time-travel "Pilgrim" series.

[Jason · Rating 1 out of 5]

This series is just pointless. I can see why it ended quickly, despite Saberhagen's popularity.