Cribb – OLD ABE {Book Review}

No matter how much you learned about Abraham Lincoln in your American History class, there’s more to appreciate in John Cribb’s book, Old Abe: A Novel.

Perhaps you remember stories of Lincoln splitting fence rails or wearing a black top hat. Maybe you’ve heard a few interesting tidbits about his wife, Mary Todd, or their children: Bob, Tad, and Willie. Most people think of Lincoln when they discuss the Civil War, the Emancipation Proclamation, and the Thirteenth Amendment of the Constitution.

You’ll find all of these things and much more in this 400-page historical-fiction book written by John Cribb.

The Author of OLD ABE

John Cribb and his family live in South Carolina. I gathered from my research, he has a love for libraries, American history, and obviously, Abraham Lincoln.

John Cribb is a bestselling author who has written about subjects ranging from history to education. His previous work includes co-authoring The American Patriot’s Almanac and The Educated Child, both New York Times bestsellers; co-editing The Human Odyssey, a 3-volume world history text, and developing online history courses. John also worked as former U.S. Secretary of Education Bill Bennett’s collaborator on the New York Times #1 bestseller The Book of Virtues. His writing has been published in the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, the Chicago Tribune, National Review Online, and several other publications. During the Reagan administration, he worked at the Department of Justice, the Department of Education, and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Excerpt from John Cribb’s bio located at JohnCribbAuthor.com

Surprisingly, Old Abe is Cribb’s first novel. You can learn more at Cribb’s website.

OLD ABE – The Facts in Historical Fiction

Old Abe is an historical fiction novel published by Republic Book Publishers in 2020. The author chose to compile his years of research into a more personal presentation of Lincoln. Using hundreds of primary and secondary resources, Cribb unfurls the facts in a more intimate manner.

What part of the book is fiction?

“In many cases, I’ve taken artistic license to provide details of action and dialogue, and I’ve occasionally bent the timeline for minor events, but I’ve tried to stay faithful to the historical record.

I hope this book brings Lincoln to life and that it helps you better understand the tragic circumstances he faced and the heroic service he rendered to a nation that seemed hopelessly divided.”

John Cribb, author of Old Abe: A Novel.

The Contents

When I was younger, I rarely read the forewords in books. Finally, I realized many of them offer their own little pearls. Such is the case in Old Abe. I’ll not share all the pearls presented there except for this one:

“[Abraham Lincoln] was a man of great faith, even though he never really formally joined a church. He knew the Bible perhaps better than any president before or since and turned to it frequently in the White House. As the war deepened, he came to view himself as a ‘humble instrument in the hands of the Almighty.’ His faith not only gave him strength; at war’s end, it gave the wisdom to tell the Northerners that the time had come not for revenge, but for charity.

This is the man we find in the pages of this wonderful novel, a giant of a man, but also a real man . . .”

William J. Bennett, former US Secretary of Education and author of The Best Book of Virtues and The Last Best Hope.

There isn’t a heavy focus on faith in Old Abe, but it is in there, including Lincoln’s remarks regarding the Bible and its influence on his life.  

After the foreword and the author’s note, the book contains fifty-three chapters. The chapters are short—approximately five pages each, which makes for easy and quick reading. The chapters are compiled into three sections.

PART 1: THE ASCENT

May 1860 to February 1861

PART 2: THE INFERNO

March 1861 to January 1863

PART 3: THE DISTANT SHORE

January 1863 to April 1865

The Gist of OLD ABE

As you can see, the book covers the last five years of Abraham Lincoln’s life. However, Cribb expertly pulls in Lincoln’s earlier days as well.

Even if readers are not familiar with certain details of this time period, they’ll be able to sense the historical accuracy in passages. Numerous instances piqued my curiosity. But, I was too engrossed in the story to stop and research for further information.

Through vivid descriptions and realistic dialogue, Cribb draws readers into Lincoln’s personal life. There are joyous moments, especially between Lincoln and his children. However, these were Lincoln’s most challenging years. As the story unfolds, our eyes are opened and our hearts are broken as we walk alongside Old Abe.

Throughout the book, a recurring dream of Lincoln’s subtly floats in the background. As Lincoln gradually contemplates its meaning, so do we.

The author does a beautiful job sewing this dream-thread throughout the story to its bittersweet end.

Recommendation

This book is rich and something to savor.

The author pumps life into those flat, informational facts we learned in high school. His writing digs deeper than what is allocated for textbooks. Old Abe provides a fresh perspective as it presents personalities, thoughts, and emotions.

History buffs will relish this book. But, also, anyone who has an interest in Lincoln and the time period in which he lived. I highly recommend adding this book to high school reading lists. Even middle school students will glean from it. But, take note there is a tiny scattering of curse words and two or three racial slurs. These words were not thrown in haphazardly but thoughtfully placed.

The timing for the release of this book during an election year is perfect. If you think today’s political arena is the most malicious it has ever been, Old Abe will enlighten you. It did me. I had no idea what Abraham Lincoln experienced prior to moving into the White House, nor the full extent of what he had to endure after.

I have a greater appreciation, and sorrow, for anyone who has presided over America, regardless of their political views. We tend to minimalize the great sacrifices made by our country’s presidents and their families. Physically and emotionally.

Old Abe reveals Lincoln more as a man than an icon. His deep love for his family and for his country unfold on every page as he tries his best to preserve them both.

I highly recommend the reading of this book.