Juju by Murray Leinster (1950)
The narrative unfolds in a remote plantation in Portuguese West Africa, where a white trader observes a juju ceremony led by a witch doctor, involving a terrified native girl. The protagonist, who is on the plantation of Evan Graham, is puzzled by the open practice of juju among the slaves, especially under the watchful eye of their master. Graham is depicted as a morally ambiguous character, allowing the practice of black magic while exploiting the natives for labor. As the protagonist reflects on the juju rituals, he becomes increasingly aware of the tension in the air, exacerbated by the arrival of Graham's brother, Arthur, who is on a gorilla hunt. Arthur reveals that a male gorilla has been stalking him since he shot its mate, creating a sense of impending danger. The protagonist is drawn into the complexities of colonial life, where the exploitation of natives and the threat of violence loom large. The story escalates when the natives, under the influence of juju, begin to organize against Graham, leading to a violent confrontation. The protagonist and the two women accompanying him, Alicia and Mrs. Braymore, find themselves caught in a web of deceit and danger as Graham's true nature is revealed. He is not merely a plantation owner but a manipulative figure who has used fear and superstition to control the natives. Graham's plan to eliminate his brother and take over the plantation is thwarted when a real gorilla appears, drawn by the chaos. The gorilla attacks Graham, leading to his demise. The protagonist and the women are left to navigate the aftermath of the violence, grappling with their survival in a land where the lines between civilization and savagery blur. Ultimately, the story explores themes of power, exploitation, and the primal instincts that surface in the face of danger. The protagonist's journey reflects a struggle against both external threats and internal moral dilemmas, culminating in a tense resolution that leaves the characters forever changed. The narrative serves as a commentary on colonialism, the complexities of human nature, and the unpredictable forces of the wild.
By Murray Leinster · First published 1950 · Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure · 10 chapters · 36,269 words
First lines
From the juju house the witch doctor emerged, bedaubed with colored earths and bright ashes. The drums renewed their frantic, resounding thunder. The torchbearers capered more actively, and yelled more excitedly. The drumming had gone on all day and its hypnotic effect had culminated in a species of ecstasy in which the blacks yelled and capered, and capered and yelled, without any clear notion of why or what they yelled.
What this Textopian page supports
Juju is listed on Textopian as a novel by Murray Leinster, dated 1950 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Murray Leinster
- Date: 1950 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure, Mystery, Horror
- Length: 36,269 words
- Structure: 10 chapters, 543 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Juju by Murray Leinster
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Juju?
- How does this novel by Murray Leinster fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Science Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- The Gadget Had A Ghost by Murray Leinster
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- The Yellow God by H. Rider Haggard
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Genres
- Science Fiction — The book explores speculative concepts and futuristic themes typical of science fiction.
- Fantasy — Elements of magic and supernatural occurrences are central to the plot.
- Adventure — The narrative involves exploration and thrilling experiences faced by the characters.
- Mystery — The story includes enigmatic elements that require unraveling throughout the plot.
Tags
Science Fiction · Fantasy · Adventure · Mystery · Thriller · Supernatural · Occultism · Magic · Juju · West African Culture · Colonialism · Imperialism
Contents
- An African Night
- The Seeker of Vengeance
- Evan's Sortie
- The First Victim
- As by Magic
- The Form that Crept
- A Strange Ally
- Unmasked
- The Gorilla's Scream
- At the Padre's