The Ghost of Highgate
by Bob Mazzei
This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
Send NetGalley books directly to your Kindle or Kindle app
1
To read on a Kindle or Kindle app, please add kindle@netgalley.com as an approved email address to receive files in your Amazon account. Click here for step-by-step instructions.
2
Also find your Kindle email address within your Amazon account, and enter it here.
Pub Date Sep 23 2024 | Archive Date Aug 10 2024
Talking about this book? Use #TheGhostofHighgate #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!
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 | $3.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 333 |
Links
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Joanne E, Reviewer
*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.
