One of the main themes is grief. The characters in the bardo are all dealing with their own forms of loss and unfulfilled desires. Another theme is the idea of transition and the afterlife. It explores what might happen to souls in the in - between state. And also, it touches on the theme of father - son relationship, as Lincoln's relationship with his son is a significant part of the story.
Well, the themes include the exploration of the human condition. In 'Lincoln in the Bardo', we see characters in a sort of limbo, and this reflects on how humans face uncertainty and change. The historical aspect of it also brings out themes of war and its impact on society. And of course, the relationship between the living and the dead is a significant theme, as Lincoln is mourning his son while the other characters in the bardo are in their own state of waiting and reflection.
The narrative structure in 'Lincoln in the Bardo: A Novel' is unique. It has a sort of collage - like quality with various voices and accounts. This structure helps to convey the idea that the bardo is a place of confusion and transition. By having so many different perspectives, it enriches the story. We can see the same events from different angles, and it adds depth. For example, we get to see Lincoln from the view of the spirits in the bardo, which gives a different understanding of his character and his grief compared to a more traditional linear narrative.
In 'Lincoln in the Bardo' as a fiction book, the setting is really interesting. The bardo is not a typical setting we see in many books. It gives a new dimension to the story. The characters' interactions within this strange place are full of emotion. Also, the book's exploration of Lincoln's personal grief while he was dealing with the nation's great loss during the Civil War adds a layer of poignancy. It makes us view both the man and the historical period in a different light.
The book depicts the historical setting in a very immersive way. It gives a sense of the political turmoil during Lincoln's time. We can see how the war affected the daily lives of people. It also shows the cultural and religious beliefs of the period. For instance, the way people thought about death and the afterlife. And it does this by weaving in historical facts with the fictional elements of the bardo and the characters' stories. This makes the historical setting come alive and gives readers a deeper understanding of what it was like to live during that time.
It might portray his presidency as a time of great turmoil and change. With vivid illustrations, it can show his efforts to keep the Union together during the Civil War.
I'm not sure which specific 'Lincoln rhyme novel' is considered the best. There could be various novels related to Lincoln that incorporate rhymes in different ways. It might be a niche or lesser - known genre, so more research into Lincoln - themed literature would be needed.