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Under Man's Spell

by J.K. Muta (Goodreads Author)

3.83 of 5 stars 3.83 · rating details · 12 ratings · 5 reviews

Inspired by true events, this story interweaves the lives of several families living traditional lives in the heart of Africa, and shows the disturbing impact of dogmatic tradition and superstition on individuals and communities. Children are forced to marry men older than their fathers; two, three or even more wives is considered normal, and have to vie for their husband'...more

Paperback, 204 pages

Published July 1st 2009 by Authorhouse

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Nov 09, 2009 Alice Osborn rated it 3 of 5 stars

Dedicated "to all the women who are striving to empower themselves and others," Under Man’s Spell is a powerful fictional account (though based on true events in Tanzania) of the struggle by women to become independent of the men who "own them, so they can become respected members of their communities.

The novel introduces and follows several families’ lives in an unnamed African country; the families in the novel are linked by blood lines and marriage. The main theme of the story is the impact t...more Dedicated "to all the women who are striving to empower themselves and others," Under Man’s Spell is a powerful fictional account (though based on true events in Tanzania) of the struggle by women to become independent of the men who "own them, so they can become respected members of their communities.

The novel introduces and follows several families’ lives in an unnamed African country; the families in the novel are linked by blood lines and marriage. The main theme of the story is the impact that tradition and superstition has on the women in these families. Girls as young as twelve are married off to men who are their father’s age; women are raped by their husbands, their stepsons, their fathers-in-law; old women are burnt for being witches, just because their old age has given them wrinkles, red eyes and a confused mind; albinos are stoned to death or sacrificially killed to obtain their body parts for witch doctors; and virgins and babies are raped by HIV sufferers who have been told by witch doctors that this will cure them.

Contrasting with these horrific events are the stories of Pili, Esta and Sara, who have managed to break free from the violence, intimidation and sexual aggression directed towards them by their men folk to build new lives for themselves. Time and time again it is proven in the story that what women need is money - their own money and the ability to control that money. The only way these women escape is by hoarding enough savings to use them to travel as far away as possible from their husbands and partners, and get far enough away so that they cannot be found and dragged back to the lives they have left behind. But money is only part of the solution. The women in this novel show a level of strength and determination that few women living in the western world would ever need to display. Beaten but not bowed, Pili, Esta, Sara fight superstition, tradition and the male assumption that women are inferior, to emerge as strong and independent women surviving against all the odds.

Under Man’s Spell has an almost lyrical feel to it at times, lulling you with its description of the rhythms of village life. But then Muta surprises the reader by casually introducing another atrocity. Juxtaposing happy scenes where women are supporting and encouraging each other with scenes of violence, rapes and beatings, the author continues to unsettle the reader throughout the book, making them think hard about the depredations and degradations that these women live with. The opening chapter is fascinating in its detail of family life, the demarcations between male and female roles, its descriptions of the endless chores that are repeated day after day, to keep food on the table and a roof over the head. This is a must read, not only to be reminded of how much so many women still have to struggle for a voice and for respect in the 21st century, but also to be reminded of how lucky we are here in the western world.

The author of Under Man’s Spell, J.K. Muta (also known as Janet K. Mutahangarwa) was born in Tanzania. After finishing her high school education, Janet moved to the U.S. where she completed degrees in both Business and Finance. Now living in North Carolina with her family, J.K.Muta is also the author of Among Us, her first published book.

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Apr 07, 2010 Adrianna rated it 1 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Mature Adults

Recommended to Adrianna by: Goodreads Giveaways

Shelves: first-reads, in-roseville, fiction, africa, historical-setting

Initially, I was very excited to have won Under Man's Spell as my first Goodreads Giveaway novel because it closely described the types of literature I read and study at college. I'm fascinated by the postcolonial worlds and having read contemporary pieces by Chinua Achebe and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, to name a couple, I was excited to see what former Tanzania resident J.K. Muta had to offer.

From the very first chapter, I realized this was not the type of book which could compete with authors I...more

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Mar 30, 2010 Vanessa rated it 5 of 5 stars

Author JK Muta weaves an emotional and social awareness novel Under Man’s Spell. I want to acknowledge the event that takes place in Under Man’s Spell is based on actual events and/or practices in Tanzania, Africa. The emotional and spiritual battles these women, Pili, and Esta endured is simply heart wrenching; as readers will witness with these strong and tenacious women.

Admittedly, I had to stop reading several time to offer up prayers of thankfullness, as I was blaringly, aware of how bless...more

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Apr 06, 2010 Chris rated it 4 of 5 stars

My first impression through the first half of this book, was that the men in this country should all have been sterilized, to end the entire race/misery that kept perpetuating in this culture! As the rest of the story unfolded, a GLIMMER of hope for these people began. I guess changes in cultures take many, many years......... but it is shocking to think this is going on today! I did enjoy the book........ it just was very unsettling. I am so glad I won this on First Reads.

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Shelves: multicultural, psychology-sociology-anthropology, women-s-issues

Jan 08, 2010 gazing_where rated it 1 of 5 stars

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About J.K. Muta

J.K. Muta was born in Tanzania where she received her education through high school. She then moved to United States, where she attended college. She graduated from Upper Iowa University. J.K. Muta is the author of Among Us and Under Man's Spell. She is currently residing in the State of North Carolina.

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