Presence/Prescience

Presence and the idea of prescience are intermingled motifs in the novel. The latter is depicted as a spectral encounter with the former. Much of the plot revolves around the illicit recuperation and commodification of corpses. The idea of a lingering presence, a residual power in the human corpse is what animates the practice. This is represented as both mysterious and esoteric. For instance, the meat market that Dr. Menka is trying to expose relocates with astonishing ease. The unseen, lingering power of the operation becomes apparent as the story progresses. This power is embodied in the figure of Farodion, who, as Papa Davina, Teribogo, Dennis Tibidje, and other aliases is a figure of multiple presences. His counterpart in unseen power is Sir Goddie, referred as “Godfather” (109) and “the Presence” (40) by the political establishment and the media. Presence is thus twinned with power.

Prescience is...