Rating: 
Summary: A novel worthy of its subject
Review: To write a book with Abraham Lincoln as the main character you'd think the authour would have to be crazy, arrogant, or incredibly naive. Richard Slotkin doesn't appear to be any of these. He has gone about making an epic work of fiction out of the growing up years of our greatest president in a sane and thoughtful manner, with a humility and an honesty that match Lincoln's own, and though not at all naive Slotkin seems to have been inspired by all the angels of our better nature. The passages where he shows how the Bible lessons the boy Abe received from his mother formed both his mind and his habits of speech are just beautiful. This is a poetic book and an exciting one.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best books I've ever read
Review: Want a supposition on Lincoln's life as a young man? Look no further. Want an entertaining historical novel? Here's your book. Want a snapshot of life along the Mississipi River in the early 1800's? You've got it.Slotkin's novel succeds as three different types of book. Most of all its great entertainment. Not only is Lincoln an engaging and interesting character, but so are all the other folks we met, including, Finneus, the father of John Wilkes Booth, America's first Shakespearean actor. Much of the book is factual, much probable and all of it possible. Whether a student of Lincoln, or early US History or just interested in a good read, "Abe" fits the bill. "Abe" has been compared to Twain's story of Tom Sawyer's river travels. Not fair. This is even more exciting and features historical figures. I've been a compulsive reader for over 30 years and this is one of the best books I've ever read.
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