Book Review: Mathématiques Congolaises by In Koli Jean Bofane

´ Après tout, l'Afrique ce n'est pas seulement de beaux paysages, un people chalereux, il existe d'autre realités aussi´.

Filled with hilarious people and situations, Mathématiques congolaises by In Koli Jean Bofane is part of a larger literary genre which is generously inspired by local political and social realities. Definitely, American or French or German everyday life are a source of inspiration for the local writers too, but in some parts of the world reality is grotesque enough to invade every single aspect of the creative life. In Germany, for instance, you can let your creativity fly and write about bees and the movement of the moons. When you live in a country where corruption and political oportunism are partners in real time crime, you cannot fantasize. As a matter of fact, the cover of the book - an example of naive art is very much in sync with the story.

Which story is following a pattern that suits well countries coping with endemic corruption and disfunctional political systems, not only in Africa. Célio, in love with mathematics, is starting a stunning career from the streets to the heart of the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo. He has some ideas, some people are looking for practical minds to deter their opponents and eventually the too curious international community. Everything is openly on sale, money is changing hands, there are also some witchcraft is needed but the plans are not always following a clear and coherent and ´happy ending´ pattern. Because, believe it or not, Célio was about to have a moment of moral awakening and he is changing camps. Not a dramatic end, actually, as the well-placed official that needed his manipulations will end up first as an ambassador, and after that as a refugee in Europe. 

I was glad to read In Koli Jean Bofane - in the original French - and to get first acquainted with the Congo literary tendencies. I laughed a lot but also felt sad in a non-condescendent, human way because other people´s fate may sound tragi-comical from afar, but experiencing it every day is just drama. The writer has humour and the story has many funny turns allowing the reader to enjoy literarily the facts and events.   

Rating: 3 stars