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44 pages 1 hour read

Ishmael Reed

Mumbo Jumbo

Ishmael ReedFiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1972

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Book Brief

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Ishmael Reed

Mumbo Jumbo

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1972
Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

United States • 1920s

Theme
Publication Year

1972

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Published in 1973, Ishmael Reed’s Mumbo Jumbo tells the story of Papa LaBas, a voodoo priest, fighting against the Wallflower Order to protect the cultural epidemic Jes Grew in 1920s Harlem. Using nontraditional storytelling techniques, the novel blends postmodernism and Afrofuturism, exploring themes through an Afrocentric lens and highlighting efforts to reclaim non-Western cultural artifacts.

Mysterious

Challenging

Gritty

Dark

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.1

5,013 ratings

68%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Mumbo Jumbo by Ishmael Reed is praised for its imaginative storytelling, satirical brilliance, and cultural commentary. Critics commend its unique blend of genres and inventive prose. However, some find it disjointed and challenging to follow due to its complex structure and rich allusions. Overall, it is a thought-provoking and avant-garde work.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Mumbo Jumbo?

Mumbo Jumbo by Ishmael Reed will engage readers who appreciate literary satire, historical fiction, and social criticism. Fans of novels like Joseph Heller's Catch-22 and Thomas Pynchon's Gravity's Rainbow will enjoy its complexity, cultural references, and blending of folklore with modernity. Perfect for those intrigued by African American culture and postmodern literature.

4.1

5,013 ratings

68%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

United States • 1920s

Theme
Publication Year

1972

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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