The Ghost of Highgate
by Bob Mazzei
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Pub Date 23 Sep 2024 | Archive Date 10 Aug 2024
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Description
When London IT Engineer Nob takes a Sunday stroll through Highgate Cemetery, he gets more than just fresh air and exercise. A chance encounter with the talkative spirit of a long-dead philosopher sets Nob off on a rollicking paranormal adventure.
Turns out that the supernatural philosopher is none other than Karl Marx himself, back to Earth as his life's work was gravely misunderstood, and he aims to finally set the record straight. All he had been trying to show, he says, was a path for the liberation of everybody and not the hell that communist dictatorships turned out to be.
Though initially sceptical of his cemetery pal's true identity, Nob warms to the academic challenge of helping translate complex ideas into everyday language.
Thus begins a comically bizarre partnership as Marx, nicknamed "Chucky" by the bewildered Nob, and his contemporary companion set off on a rollercoaster of uproarious escapades. From navigating the complexities of modern society to meeting the most typical characters of our time.
As the tale unfolds, Chucky takes it upon himself to clarify his vision of the world, using sharp wit, satire, humour, and self criticism to dissect our contemporary anxieties. In a crescendo of hilarity, the novel delves into pressing social themes of our time, all while inviting readers to join in the laughter.
Together, the pair just might make progress on their unorthodox quest - and remind society that wisdom often comes from the most peculiar places.
Advance Praise
4 STAR Reveiw
Nestled within the haunting confines of London’s Highgate Cemetery, Nob, an IT engineer, finds himself meandering and deep in thought. In an unexpected twist, he suddenly starts receiving telepathic messages from a rather illustrious cemetery resident, the famed philosopher Karl Marx. In an attempt to rectify misunderstandings about his ideologies, Marx seeks Nob’s assistance. This peculiar pairing sets forth on a whirlwind journey, tackling a series of outlandish challenges as they strive to address the misconceptions held by Marx’s critics.
The Ghost of Highgate by Bob Mazzei can be best described as a fusion of supernatural intrigue with a comedic flair. While some might anticipate the atmospheric tension found in the works of British author Brian Lumley’s Necroscope series, this narrative is reminiscent of the lighthearted fantasy of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series.
The originality of the plot—Nob joining forces with the spirit of Karl Marx—is undeniably one of Mazzei’s strengths, offering a refreshing narrative arc. While I enjoyed the story, maintaining the voice and intellect of Marx proves challenging. I feel that there are instances where the representation of Marx’s spirit seems less genuine. I felt that this occasionally affects the immersive quality of the story, causing readers to grapple with fully embracing the central premise.
Nevertheless, the ingenuity of the plot’s foundation certainly warrants exploration by readers. It’s evident that Mazzei ventured outside his comfort zone in crafting this novel—a commendable endeavor for any writer. It will be intriguing to see where his literary journey takes him next, possibly steering towards a narrative that resonates more seamlessly.
https://literarytitan.com/2023/11/02/the-ghost-of-highgate/
Available Editions
| ISBN | 9798861775502 |
| PRICE | US$3.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 333 |
