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.