Syracuse Sun

Pop star Dua Lipa has chosen George Saunders' novel "Lincoln in the Bardo" as her book club's October selection. The book, which won the 2017 Man Booker Prize, is now being introduced to a wider audience through Lipa's extensive social media following of 87.5 million on Instagram.

George Saunders, a bestselling author and professor of English, has received numerous accolades throughout his career. His latest work, "Liberation Day," was among President Barack Obama's favorite books of 2022. Earlier this year, three of Saunders' books were featured in The New York Times list of The 100 Best Books of the 21st Century.

Dua Lipa's book club is part of her global platform Service95. This initiative provides curated lists, stories, and conversations with influential voices worldwide. Each month, members are encouraged to read a selected book and engage with related content such as discussion guides and author Q&As.

Saunders' debut novel "Lincoln in the Bardo" debuted at number one on The New York Times Bestseller List. It presents an imaginative narrative about President Abraham Lincoln visiting his deceased son Willie's grave, accompanied by ghosts in a limbo state known as the "bardo."

The acclaim for "Lincoln in the Bardo" underscores its impact on readers by offering new historical insights while fostering emotional and intellectual growth.

Dua Lipa expressed her admiration for Saunders’ writing: “There is no one writing today who can match George Saunders for compassion and empathy. The very last page still replays in my mind. The voices of these spirits — the wretched and the brave, and the dead boy Willie Lincoln — will stay with me forever.”

Throughout October, Service95 Book Club will feature exclusive content from both Lipa and Saunders including interviews, essays, reading lists that inspired the novel’s creation along with historical context around it.