Customer Reviews

Cuban Santeria: Walking with the Night

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As a Priest of Santeria and Palo Mayombe, most santeria books I have read are filled with half truths, and even things made up. The Gonzalez Whippler books, which are widely read, are not good at all, and Books on Palo Mayombe are filled with baloney. Canizares, as the only writer/priest I know, has written an entertaining and accurate book about the basics of Santeria, I would definitely recommend and have bought it for several friends who wanted to learn more.

Santeria is not an easy theme to tackle--I've written about it myself--It is a much-misunderstood religion, filled with magic and controversy. Raul Canizares, a practitioner and scholar simultaneously, translates the faith of his soul to the world at large with remarkable elegance. The book is thoroughly readable, extremely informative without being pedantic, and unique in some aspects, such as when the author writes about white-on-black racism in supposedly color-blind Communist Cuba. For the knowledgeable, the book is like a tease: it leaves you wanting for more. But for a first book on the subject, there is no better.

While a seasoned Santero will not learn anything from this primer, a person who wants to get his/her feet wet will find this a delicious volume. A seasoned Santero, however, will appreciate the fluidity of language and the beauty of the stories Baba Canizares expounds on. A master of the English language as well as a master Santero, Canizares' book has withstood the test of time (look at his consistently high rating on AMAZON.COM sales, where it is usually the top-rated orisha book). I hear Inner Traditions is planning a greatly expanded 10th anniversary special edition, as well as a Spanish Language edition--I can't wait to get both. CUBAN SANTERIA: WALKING WITH THE NIGHT is a little masterpiece, and the best book from Canizares's pen so far.

Not a very deep book but a pretty enjoyable introduction to Santeria and some related subjects. I like the author's honesty when describing the occasional self-delusion and fakery in the religion - not many religious folks are that honest. I also liked the chapter at the end about racism in Cuba - that's also not a subject that gets much honest treatment. Other parts, like music in Santeria, I thought pretty weak.

El libro presenta de forma amena e interesante la santería. Su presentación profundiza sin llegar a abundar en los detalles. Para un primer libro sobre el tema es excepcional.

In a very odd turn of events, *I* do not have anything further to say about this wonderful book. To read it is to know what I mean.(-_-)

Baba Canizares is a well known and highly respect Babalorisha of New York. He has written about a dozen books, each aimed for the beginner in Santeria, Orisha and Voodoo religion. Cuban Santeria is another of his good books; there are no secrets revealed here, or ceremonies or none of that. What the book has is a mixture of autobiography, and tales as told to him buy his godparents. The book is a good read, and lets those who are curious, come into a world of mystery, beauty and wisdom. All of Baba Canizares books are entertaining, informative, and a pleasure to read. Check out his other books or Orishas ISBN: 0942272692 as well as his respecteful selling book The Life and Works of Marie Laveau. Which Amazon.com should sell. "Hint Hint"

Señor Canizares writes a good book about his religion. It is interesting, though it goes into little detail about ceremonies, it gives information that is hard to come by for those not initiated into the religion. I would have liked to hear more personal stories, but I think the book is a good start for people intersted in the inner workings of this fascinating religion. It is well written and not difficult or a drag to read. A good first or second book for those just getting started.