A review by lvleggett
Dealing with the Dead by Alain Mabanckou

adventurous challenging dark mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

A young man wakes up to discover he is now in the cemetery where he's been buried. He wanders home disoriented to see his funeral in full swing. As he gets to know the souls who share the cemetery with him, he is increasingly drawn back to the land of the living to seek revenge for his untimely demise. Folklore, ghost stories and colonial history continuously collide as the young man observes the lead-up to his end. Corrupt politicians and religious leaders compete with the stories of the people they've hurt to gain power. A biting look at modern-day Congo. Did I get every reference? No. Did I relish the storytelling? YES.