| How did a scientist like her wind up in a religion like that?
-- Jewell Parker-Rhodes, author of Voodoo Dreams and Yellow Moon
ReviewsIn Irete Lazo’s highly regarded first novel, The Accidental Santera, Lazo takes us on an endearing spiritual journey as Latina scientist Gabrielle Segovia, Ph.D discovers her culture and her calling. The fictional story–laced with tension, laughter and beauty–follows Gabrielle, a Puerto Rican-Mexican career driven scientist…[who] learns that it is time to reconnect to her Puerto Rican roots and become the santera she was always meant to be. –Extra News (Chicago, 3/19/09) La Bloga reviewer Michael Sedano takes Irete Lazo to task for the use of a pseudonym. Click here to read the review and my response. Jan. 20, 2009 Where science and faith intersect is the sweet spot for Irete Lazo’s first novel…Filled with the mystical, spiritual and ritual, the novel also broaches the question of how science and faith can co-exist. “The Accidental Santera” is an evocative and sensitively written novel that captures the essence of a religion shrouded in mystery. It’s Lazo’s thinly veiled personal testament to a newly acquired faith that may not be understood by the public but that brings spiritual comfort to those who follow its creed. “…readers who want to an up close and personal view of Santeria will see what a rich support it is for family life, and what comfort — and responsibility — may be found there.” A terrifically entertaining read–filled with mysticism, spirituality, and womanist charm. Enticing and highly recommended. – Jewell Parker-Rhodes, author of Voodoo Dreams and Yellow Moon From Publisher’s Weekly 8/25/08 In this debut novel, a field biologist, unsatisfied in her career and unhappy in her marriage after suffering three miscarriages, discovers Santería (the Yoruba religion brought by African slaves to the Caribbean where it mixed with Catholicism). Gabrielle Segovia lets loose while attending a conference in New Orleans and has a “reading” at Madam Laveau’s House of Voodoo, where the spirit tells her that she doesn’t need a doctor, the babies will come when she finds her spiritual path. Back home, Gabrielle reluctantly agrees to see a fertility specialist, but despite learning that she does have physical problems, she refuses further medical care and turns to Santería to fulfill her wish to conceive. She travels to Miami and to her Santería-practicing Puerto Rican cousins, and soon Gabrielle is ditching work and planning her “ocha,” her initiation into Santería. The author, writing under a pseudonym, is knowledgeable about her subject; she’s a former scientist and a practicing santera, and does an entertaining job of contrasting science with religious beliefs. All ends happily in this lighthearted first novel that puts a contemporary Latin face on a fascinating and ancient religion. (Oct.) The poignant story of one woman’s journey into the fascinating world of Santeria. Irete Lazo fearlessly describes the power and emotion of spiritual rituals and sheds humane insight on an often misunderstood religion. This heartfelt debut rings boldly, candidly true. Cristina García, author of A Handbook to Luck Be sure you have time for a good long read when you pick up The Accidental Santera. You’ll be so caught up in the beautiful and intriguing world of the modern Latina’s Yoruban life that you won’t be able to put it down. A special and enchanting story. – Sandra Guzmán, author of The Latina’s Bible: The Nueva Latina’s Guide to Love, Spirituality, Family and La Vida The Accidental Santera is a moving, original debut novel that made me shiver with delight. Irete Lazo is that rare combination of guts, grace and passion that, when translated onto the page, gives us truly fantastic literature. Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez, author of Dirty Girls on Top |
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