Flight to Canada by Ishmael Reed (1998, Paperback, Reprint)

I read many glowing reviews of this book, but was quite disappointed. The conceit of the plot is that it shifts the events of the Civil War to modern times--or at least, certain aspects. There are discussions about television, cars, planes, etc. Lincoln is a cowardly country rube who comes south to try to get a Virginia plantation owner (who is also a jet-setter flying around with european royalty) to lend the failing Union enough money to win the war. The story is messy, confusing and seems more one mediocre writer's acid-induced dream than anything else. On the plus side, it's short--you can read the book in one sitting.