Alain Mabanckou’s latest work follows the young Liwa Ekimakingaï, who wakes up in Frère Lachaise cemetery after dying prematurely. Clad in flared purple trousers and surrounded by an odd cast of fellow spirits, he wrestles with sudden questions of identity and purpose. The biggest pull, however, is his lingering need to return to Pointe-Noire for a final farewell to his beloved grandmother—and to solve the mystery of his own untimely passing.

The novel is set in modern Congo-Brazzaville, where rampant corruption, political misdeeds, and social complexities play as much a role as the supernatural elements. Mabanckou’s descriptive approach brings Pointe-Noire to life, capturing the city’s rhythm through evocative memories and vivid observations. There is a fascinating interplay between folklore and contemporary realities, exposing a society whose challenges are as deeply rooted as its cultural heritage.

While the book’s structure displays a certain inventiveness, the constant shifts between second and third-person narration may feel disorienting. The method occasionally interrupts the story’s momentum, particularly for readers unaccustomed to experimental styles. Nevertheless, the characters Liwa encounters—both living and dead—provide an engaging cross-section of viewpoints on ambition, betrayal, and familial love.

On a personal note, the synopsis aligned closely with what usually piques my interest: a magic-tinged tale set in a distinct cultural context, focusing on personal and political tensions. Despite these elements, the execution fell short of expectations. Some sections felt disconnected, and the stylistic choices occasionally pulled me out of the narrative.

Even so, the novel’s ability to portray the broader forces shaping Liwa’s world is commendable. Readers open to unconventional storytelling will find plenty to appreciate here, particularly if they enjoy delving into the layered social and historical underpinnings of modern Central Africa.

In 'Dealing with the Dead' Liwa Ekimakingaï awakes in a cemetery. He has died young. Confused and lost he wants to piece together his last moments and say goodbye to his closest relative his grandmother. The novel delves into the familial relationships and and personal politics of Ekimakingaï. While, also depicting the surrounding area and wider politics of Congo through the multitude of fellow ghosts in the cemetery.

I enjoyed the depictions of setting. As someone who is unfamiliar with Congo I found that i could still make a clear depiction of the political setting and cultural setting. Ekimakingaï's descriptions and memories of his grandmother were also deeply interesting.

I found the narration really hard to read. The flip between third and second felt clunky and is personally not a style of narrative I enjoy. However, I can see that it was an interesting tool used in the context of the novel, after all we do all die. (I have also just read that this is a nod to a French writer and style unfortunately this went over my head so wasn't as appreciated.)

Thanks to #netgalley for this ARC.

The writing in this book is phenomenal! The story is so complex and has so many references, yet it is great to read. I usually don't go for this type of book, but this one won me over, and I'm so grateful for having read it!

The magic realism category is a bit of a hype used to describe lots of books that have some references to fantastic or paranormal, nothing to do with real "magic realism" stories like One Hundred Years of Solitude or Jorge Amado's Dona Flor.
This a true magic realism story, a colourful and often hilarious description of life in Congo, of tender relationships and everyday life and death.
I found it enthralling, a charming story full of stroung colour & smells, realistic descriptions of what's happening.
Loved it as it's an excellent story, very old and very modern at the same time
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

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.

Liwa finds himself waking up in Frere Lachaise cemetery after dying young and unexpectedly. He meets the other residents, such as the Director of Human Resources (this made me laugh) and the ‘Chief’, Black Mamba. Liwa sets out to seek revenge, something he is strongly advised against.

I enjoyed this as I read on. The culture and customs were described so vividly, I could visualise (my own version of course) the story in my head. The only thing I couldn’t decide on was whether the cemetery and inhabitants parts should have been left out or shortened as there was no further mention of them once Liwa left, it wasn’t a seamless join - it could have been two books, one about Liwa and one, that should be written, about the Cemeteries, or ‘Part 1’ and ‘Part 2’.

Thank you for the advance copy of this text. I couldn’t put this book down and read it in a day. Not my usual read but I enjoyed it nonetheless the less.

An interesting premise and story, that sees Liwa wake up in a cemetery after his death, and then be able to see the world around him and how those he left behind react and mourn him. Other residents of the cemetery tell Liwa about their lives, and this - plus a fairly long exposition at the start of the book - help set the scene in Congo-Brazzaville for anyone not familiar with the area or culture.

I did get a bit frustrated by it jumping between third person when describing other people, and second person narration when referring to Liwa. Apparently this is a nod to someone French (Proust?) but it didn’t work for me.

A mixed bag then - hence the 3 stars. But it does tick off another country in my read around the world challenge.

I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.

Unfortunately, I DNfed this book. The writing style and prose weren't for me. There will be many people who will enjoy this one and appreciate it much more.

I received a free review copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest unedited feedback

In Dealing with the Dead, Alain Mabanckou masterfully weaves the protagonist’s story with the voices of those he meets and knows, painting a vivid picture of Pointe-Noire. I particularly appreciated how the book captures the complexities of the city, its politics, culture, and people, through a truly unique tone and layered storytelling.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

The perspective of this book makes it something really quite special. The voice that this one is written in is something that I don’t think I’ve really seen before, and it was really wonderfully written. The characters are vibrant and described beautifully in their minutiae, and it made this book really interesting.

There’s a certain vibrancy in the political and social stories told in this book too, and it gives a shorter ‘Lincoln in the Bardo’ kind of vibe that isn’t quite as magical, but is very much just as interesting.