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Lori asked this question about Lincoln in the Bardo:
Just finished this and need a little help: 1) still not sure why Mr. Bevins appears with multiple eyes, legs, etc and 2) still a bit unclear on the reverend's journey--am struggling with why he was turned back to the "Bardo" and what he decided to finally do--more faith, more sacrifice? Any help or speculation appreciated!
Charles Cole Regarding the Reverend's fate: Who knows? In life, some things — many things — happen seemingly without justice or fairness or even explanation and pe…moreRegarding the Reverend's fate: Who knows? In life, some things — many things — happen seemingly without justice or fairness or even explanation and perhaps we become obsessed (“Why did I get cancer?” “Why did my sister never like me?” . . .) The cause of our misfortunes (which in my experience we usually feel are undeserved) is rarely apparent to us, and perhaps that’s the point: Saunders shows us what it’s like to be disappointed w/o understanding. And just as life (or fate, or God) has no obligation to tell us why bad things happen to good people, neither does Geo Saunders. Indeed, if the author gave an explanation it would rob the Reverend’s story of its crushing sadness.
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Lincoln in the Bardo
by George Saunders
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