Book Review: ‘The Day Lincoln Lost’ A Historical Novel By Charles Rosenberg

Following last year’s awesome book The Trial and Execution of the Traitor George Washington, author Charles Rosenberg is back with his newest historical fiction novel The Day Lincoln Lost. The story by Charles looks at the lead up to the election of 1860 and what would have happened if Lincoln hadn’t won the election and it had to go to Congress.

Abby Kelley Foster is an abolitionist and goes around the country speaking. She has come to Springfield, Illinois to speak. It happens at the same time that a 12 year old slave girl has been captured and in court ordered to be sent back to her master. When her speech ends up indirectly inciting a riot and the girl and master go missing, Abby is arrested and made to be an example.

Abraham Lincoln offers his partner to be her attorney. She insists on Abe to do the defending. He has been quiet about the case not wanting to side one way or the other. And the current President who doesn’t want Abe to win has tried to rig the trial to force Abe to have to speak out. Abe is a sly lawyer and manages to do his job as an attorney without giving his personal views.

Then it’s time for the election and will Abe win it outright. It ends up going to Congress and it’s a fascinating read as to who will become the next President.

Once again Charles has written a Great Historical Novel. He is really the master of this genre and I can’t wait to see what he comes up with next.

You can pick up The Day Lincoln Lost in stores on Tuesday, August 4th from Hanover Square Press.