theguardian.com
Mabanckou's "Dealing With the Dead": A Ghost Story and Critique of Kleptocracy
Alain Mabanckou's latest novel, "Dealing With the Dead," follows the journey of Liwa, a 24-year-old orphan who wakes up dead in a Parisian cemetery and returns to his childhood home in Pointe-Noire, Congo-Brazzaville, to confront his murderer and the systemic corruption he encounters.
- How does Mabanckou's stylistic experimentation, blending various genres, contribute to the novel's narrative and its exploration of the themes?
- The novel's structure, divided into three parts, reflects Liwa's journey from death to confronting his past. The narrative shifts from a ghost story to an exploration of kleptocracy in Congo-Brazzaville, connecting Liwa's personal tragedy to broader societal issues. Mabanckou uses this structure to explore themes of death, memory, and corruption within the context of his childhood home, Pointe-Noire.
- What are the central themes explored in Mabanckou's "Dealing With the Dead," and how do these themes connect to his previous works and the sociopolitical context of Congo-Brazzaville?
- Alain Mabanckou's new novel, "Dealing With the Dead," follows the journey of a young orphan, Liwa, who wakes up in a cemetery after dying at 24. The novel blends genres, incorporating elements of ghost stories, crime, mythology, and satire, showcasing Mabanckou's stylistic experimentation. Liwa's experience involves surreal encounters with other ghosts and a confrontation with his murderer.
- What are the potential implications of Mabanckou's portrayal of kleptocracy and its impact on individuals and society in "Dealing With the Dead," particularly regarding future discussions about corruption in post-colonial settings?
- Dealing With the Dead" offers a unique perspective on the consequences of corruption in Congo-Brazzaville. Through the supernatural elements, the novel explores the lingering effects of past actions on the living and the dead, highlighting the systemic impacts of kleptocracy on individuals and society. The novel may spark further discussions on the lasting repercussions of political corruption in post-colonial contexts.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing is largely positive, emphasizing the novel's stylistic achievements and memorable characters. The description of the novel as ending with an 'excoriating account of kleptocracy' hints at a more critical element, but this is not explored in detail. The positive tone might overshadow any potential criticisms.
Language Bias
The language used is largely positive and descriptive, employing words like "exquisite," "memorable," and "beautifully controlled." While this creates an enthusiastic tone, it could be viewed as potentially lacking in critical objectivity. However, the overall language is not loaded or biased in a way that distorts the information presented.
Bias by Omission
The review focuses heavily on the plot and style of the novel, potentially omitting analysis of the book's deeper themes or social commentary. There is no mention of the political context of Congo-Brazzaville, which might be relevant given the novel's exploration of kleptocracy. The absence of discussion regarding the translation's impact on the original text's nuances is another omission.
Sustainable Development Goals
The novel addresses inequality by portraying the life of an orphan in a poor neighborhood and highlighting the consequences of kleptocracy, which disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. The depiction of the disparity between the rich and poor, and the corrupt systems that perpetuate it, directly relates to the SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.