Seth Grahame-Smith takes us on a tour de farce with his portrayal of Abraham Lincoln as a maniacal vampire hunter in this tale that takes American History and turns it inside out,  upside down, and gives it a sideways slant worthy of comparison to the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

I opened this tome expecting it to be funny, odd, and an easy evening read.  What I failed to realize was that the author wrote this in a most serious manner, deriving its depth from the suddenly "found" book, The Secret Journal of Abraham Lincoln.  From that surprising beginning until the bitter end, the story is compelling, interesting, and yes, odd.  But I loved it anyway !

Lincoln takes an axe along on his journey to save America from vampires. From the slave owners who deal in human traffic, to the memory of the death of his mother, and throughout his marriage to Mary and fears of the death of his children, Lincoln’s melancholy grows deeper and deeper.   His obvious distress at the slavery issue runs strongly throughout his soul; he knows that vampires lurk who want to enslave all of mankind.  The Secret Journal of Abraham Lincoln is oft quoted in this book and is written in such a believable manner that one feels as if Lincoln really did write this journal.

I can envision a very progressive American History teacher in a small, perhaps New England town,  presenting this book to a 10th grade History class, having the teens read it and write book reports that are twisted and derivative.  Then their next assignment would be to read and write about Lincoln's actual life.  Provided this book isn't really true, after all.  The kids would be so caught up in the vampire theme that they'd love it.  Learning actual American History would then take on new dimensions for them and they'd remember more after class was over.

Perhaps by now, you are thinking that it is a good thing I am not a teacher.  Perhaps you are right.  What I am is a writer and a book reviewer and glad of it.  My recommendation for  Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter, you may ask?  Read and enjoy it.  You'll be glad you did!   For all ages  15-16  and up.  I think Lincoln might have appreciated this work himself !