*Ghost of Highgate* by Bob Mazzei is a witty, irreverent, and thought-provoking novel that marries paranormal hijinks with a sharp social critique. What begins as a leisurely Sunday stroll through London’s iconic Highgate Cemetery quickly turns into a wild adventure when Nob, a skeptical IT engineer, crosses paths with the spirited—quite literally—ghost of none other than Karl Marx.

Mazzei’s narrative is driven by this comical and unlikely partnership between Nob and the ghostly philosopher, affectionately dubbed "Chucky." Marx returns from the afterlife not as the austere political theorist we might imagine but as a frustrated and misunderstood intellectual eager to clear his name. His goal? To set the record straight about his philosophy, distancing his ideas from the grim realities of 20th-century communism and reinterpreting them in ways that speak to contemporary society.

The novel strikes a perfect balance between comedy and commentary. Mazzei cleverly uses Marx’s ghost to poke fun at modern society, turning him into a philosopher-for-hire of sorts, eager to dispel misconceptions and introduce his ideas in simpler, more digestible language. This approach not only makes Marx's complex theories accessible to the average reader but also creates an opportunity for biting satire, as Marx reacts to today's political and social landscape with a mix of bemusement and exasperation.

The humor in *Ghost of Highgate* is one of the book’s strongest assets. Nob, who is initially skeptical of his new spectral friend, provides a grounded counterpoint to Marx’s larger-than-life presence. Their odd-couple dynamic fuels much of the book’s comedic energy, with Nob constantly bewildered by the bizarre situations they find themselves in—from deciphering Marx’s dense philosophical jargon to navigating contemporary social issues through the lens of a 19th-century thinker.

Mazzei also uses the novel as a vehicle for engaging with pressing social and political themes. Marx's return provides a unique lens through which to critique capitalism, inequality, and the challenges of modern life, but always with a touch of humor and self-deprecation. Chucky is not portrayed as an all-knowing prophet but as a flawed and reflective figure who, while critical of the past, is also self-aware enough to laugh at his own legacy.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of the novel is its accessibility. *Ghost of Highgate* offers an entry point into the world of Marxist thought without becoming overly academic or preachy. It is, at heart, a fun and eccentric romp through London with a ghostly companion, but it’s also a smart, satirical exploration of how we view historical figures and their influence on the present.

Bob Mazzei has created a delightful and thought-provoking narrative in *Ghost of Highgate*. It’s a novel that invites readers to laugh, think, and reflect, all while enjoying the absurd adventures of a man and a ghost on a mission to reshape how we understand the world. Fans of witty satire and readers curious about political philosophy will find much to enjoy in this quirky and original story.

This book had a premise that highly interested me, and then I read it. The language used in it angered me greatly and maybe that was the point but oh boy is the voice of the writing style grating after a while.