White Witch Doctor

by Louise A. Stinetorf

Ellen Burton had come to the Congo as a medical missionary, with little knowledge of theology or medicine-armed only with a sense of humor, an uncanny knack for praying with a scalpel in her hand, and a love of people that could not be limited by the color of skin.

276 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1950

Reviews

[Joanne-in-Canada · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adopted this book from my parents-in-law's house, thinking it would be an interesting memoir about a doctor in Africa. It turned out to be a novel, which initially disappointed me, but it is a delightful story with a very modern protagonist despite the cheesy cover artwork. Ellen Burton is an adventurous soul--smart, adaptable, introspective, occasionally timid, and quick to recognize and nurture talent. Her relationships with whites and blacks are surprisingly progressive for a book written in 1950. Highly recommended.

[Warren Fournier · Rating 4 out of 5]

A novel about transcendence, this is an inspiring book that can help you feel better about the world for a change.

The copy I read was found in an Indianapolis bookstore that had a special section featuring first editions of vintage horror, scifi, and fantasy by Indiana authors. I really wasn't sure what it would be about, but I quickly learned that this was not a genre piece but a semi-autobiographical novel about missionary work in the Congo. And what a sentimental, tender, and thoughtful book it turned out to be!

Highly progressive in all the right ways, the protagonist breaks free of her spinster life on an Indiana farm to not only become a nurse, but to do it in a country where she must adapt to several new languages, lifestyles, and cultures during the Belgian occupation of the Congo. In Africa, she grows from being an alien in another world to a respected and beloved hunter, healer, and provider. And she does all of this with little help from anyone. In fact, she meets with constant resistance for her age (she begins this journey in her late 30s), her sex, and her nationality.

I'd wager that many of the vignettes in this novel are based on the author's real experiences, and some are hilarious while remaining sympathetic. There are so many wonderful characters and scenarios that paint a rich tapestry of human experience. The Belgian captain of a riverboat being playful with his wife while tucking her in bed, the good-natured young warrior with elephantiasis, an older man who replaces a tooth with a wooden cross, the little boy who uses a spider egg sac to make a kalimba, and the incomparable Dr. Mary who serves as our protagonist's mentor. Great stuff!

The book is not so sympathetic about colonialism, nor does it try to glorify converting the "ignorant savage" to Christian civilization. This is no "white hero" fantasy trying its hardest to not be racist. This is a genuine tale of growth and connection to fellow human beings, of respect for people, of discovery of oneself, of finding one's true family, and of beating the odds.

The next time you think about feeling sorry for yourself, or find that you are getting caught up listening to contemporary news about all the systemic "ism's" in our society, give this book a read as it is sure to give your spirits a lift.

[Julia]

Such an interesting read!
I loved following our main character and her trying to go to Africa to be a missionary, despite her being older than what they typically send. After overcoming that obstacle, she finds herself in the Congo having to learn multiple languages, treat many people with different ailments/injuries, learn different cultures, and so much more. There's multiple great relationships throughout this book, but several very respectable friendships towards the end. Our main character having earned the respect of multiple villages, finds herself being a praised hunter and healer. She moves along to multiple locations, but her last couple really told good stories and brought about good people. She left truly finding a place she wanted to call home, and as a happy older woman in her sixties or seventies.
If you have access to this story, I would highly recommend it. I haven't seen the movie, but I'm sure the movie is similar enough to the book to get a good understanding.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

After thoroughly enjoying the Cherry Ames books when I was in my teens, this was an obvious choice for my continuation into adult reading. This may well have been the first book that I read which was set in Africa. I read it several times, and I'd read it again.

[Christine Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book I read as a teen and all I really remembered is the title. It is called a novel, but today we would probably call it creative non-fiction. Although in the narrative style of the period, the main character is so engaging you like her and enjoy the story she tells. Would the book be shunned in today's climate for the racism it shows-Maybe. But, it may just be the reality of the time. The naivete of the missionaries is displayed as is the ignorance of white men. However, you love Ellen Burton and her practicality and how she stretches herself as a nurse and a woman.

[Victoria Kuzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and still do 65 years later! The book is about an American nurse who goes to the Congo in Africa to become a Baptist missionary. I was so impressed about the way she adapted to all of her situations and her honest caring and love for all "her people". While this book is not non-fiction, it reads as if it were a biography. The author, Louise A. Stinetorf, wrote about what she knew from time spent in Africa and good research. I found the book to be inspiring. Maybe it is why I became a nurse for 44 years. I still have a trip to Africa as number 1 on my bucket list.

[Laurie Connolly]

One of the many missionary stories that made up my sister's and my time reading in early elementary school.

[Tim Wester · Rating 3 out of 5]

descriptive of African life

[Ken · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book derived a lot of it's energy from 'stranger in a strange land' motif. But as the character adapts to the African world, it becomes more about the social enviroment, individuals, culture, common problems of being human. The protagonist exudes humanistic qualites and compassion, just what you would hope to have in a Christian missionary. She doesn't let ageism or sexism interfere with her personal mission to try and do some good in the world by helping others under trying, harsh conditions.

For the time it was written, I think it's fairly progressive, and the racism quietly acknowledged as just part of this very strange world she finds herself in and rising above.

[Jenni · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gave this book to DI. It was a little boring and lots of naked people.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

africa 1940s. very interesting about first nurses. one day read