44 pages • 1 hour read
Mumbo Jumbo
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Book Brief
224
Novel • Fiction
United States • 1920s
1972
Adult
18+ years
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
5,013 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
5,013 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
224
Novel • Fiction
United States • 1920s
1972
Adult
18+ years
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