Alain Mabanckou's latest novel, Dealing With the Dead, intricately explores the themes of mortality, societal decay, and memory through a picaresque narrative centered on Liwa, an orphan from Pointe-Noire. The story, divided into three segments, begins with Liwa awakening in a cemetery, grappling with his unceremonious death at age 24. As he interacts with ghostly figures from his past, the enchanting mixture of magic realism, crime, and mythology gradually shifts toward a darker exploration of kleptocracy, highlighting the stark realities of a life shaped by poverty and loss, filled with vivid characters and rich literary allusions.
In Dealing With the Dead, Mabanckou skillfully blends magic realism, crime, and mythology, showcasing his picaresque hero Liwa's journey from death to confronting his past.
The novel begins as a ghost story, depicting Liwa's surreal experiences with a ghostly community, ultimately revealing a harsher narrative of kleptocracy and personal reckonings.
Mabanckou's Characters, from a former HR director turned cemetery head to a fame-seeking musician, contribute vibrant textures, enhancing the narrative's exploration of life and loss.
Liwa's story is not just about death; it confronts the realities of poverty and societal decay, becoming a rich commentary on personal and collective histories.
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