The White Hecatomb, and Other Stories

"The White Hecatomb and Other Stories" by William Charles Scully is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. The title story presents a vivid narrative set in Southern Africa, focusing on themes of war, survival, and cultural conflict as it recounts the experiences of the Amangwane tribe during a devastating locust invasion and military skirmishes. The opening tale chronicles the life of a young girl amidst her tribe's harrowing struggles against natural disaster and violence, highlighting the resilience and tragedy faced by her community. The beginning of "The White Hecatomb" introduces the gripping tale of an elderly woman reflecting on her life, starting from her childhood amidst tribal strife to the present when she recounts a tragic event involving the destruction of her people during a locust plague and a subsequent attack by rival tribes. As she narrates her memories, readers are drawn into the violent history that shapes her existence, including the loss of family members and the dire conditions that force her to flee. Through her reflections, we witness a poignant blend of personal suffering and broader historical context, establishing an emotional backdrop that sets the tone for the ensuing stories. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

William Charles Scully is one of South Africa's best-known authors, although little known outside South Africa. In addition to his work as an author, his paid work was principally as a magistrate in Springfontein, South Africa, as well as in Namaqualand and the Transkei. His last position before retirement was as Chief Magistrate of Port Elizabeth, one of South Africa's larger cities. He organised the building of "New Brighton", a township for aboriginal African people in Port Elizabeth. At the time it was regarded as very progressive—a pleasant place to live.