The Impeachment of Abraham Lincoln - Stephen L Carter

Published by Alfred A. Knopf, Publisher: New York, 2012.

Although the title of this work might imply some non-fiction exploration of a forgotten moment in history, instead The Impeachment of Abraham Lincoln takes place in an alternate reality where Lincoln has survived the attempt on his life (although other historical figures have died) and is now facing an impeachment hearings over his conduct during the Civil War. Lincoln himself remains on the peripheries of the plot but is certainly caught up in the going-ons. The main character, however, is Abigail Canner, a young black woman with a law degree who has been hired (semi-reluctantly) by the law firm defending Lincoln.

This is a well researched and fascinating novel, giving a glimpse into a particular period of American history, while also reinterpreting and reimagining what may have been. It also works well as a novel in its own right, highlighting prejudice and racism existing in the era, but also containing a central conspiracy gripping enough to keep the reader's attention. Abigail may occasionally seem a bit "out of her time" through her stubborn determination to rise beyond what the average black woman of the era could aspire to, but this is inspiring rather than distracting.

This is apparently the author's fifth novel. I would be interested to read some of his others.

Completed 17 April 2019.


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Various Picture Books

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society - Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

Words of Radiance - Brandon Sanderson