Lincoln's Dreams

A half-satisfying, mainstream-ish first novel from the well-known science-fiction short-story writer (Fire Watch, etc.). Civil War researcher Jeff Johnston invites old school friend Richard Madison, a psychiatrist studying sleep disorders, over to meet Jeff's novelist employer, Thomas Broun; the latter is working on a book about Lincoln and wants to talk about Lincoln's dreams (did the President foresee his own assassination in a dream?). Madison shows up with Annie, a young woman afflicted with vivid and terrifying dreams about the Civil War. Madison is convinced that Annie's dreams are evidence of severe psychiatric problems, but Jeff, attracted to Annie at once, isn't so sure: Annie, according to Jeff's researches, is dreaming the wartime dreams of Confederate general Robert E. Lee! Jeff, discovering that Madison has secretly been dosing Annie with dangerous drugs, spirits her away; the dreams, however, continue. Broun, pursuing his own researches, supplies a clue: Lincoln's dreams were, perhaps, prodromic, i.e., inspired by chronic illness. Indeed, Jeff discovers that Annie has angina. But Annie, convinced that she must continue to dream Lee's dreams in order for his unquiet spirit to find peace, refuses treatment and departs. A fascinating opening, then, but about halfway through the plot starts going around in circles: the conclusion, too, is somewhat forced and artificial. Good ideas, an unusual setting, and solid characters - it's the mechanics that need work. (Kirkus Reviews)