Customer Reviews

Secrets, Gossip, and Gods: The Transformation of Brazilian Candomblé

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One of the best books that I could find in English on Candomble.

The book is an amazing piece of scholastic work conducted by a once relectant initiate of Nago-Ketu Nation and surveys the history, practices, theology, ritualism and cosmology of Candomble and the role of the Terreiro in historical and contemporary Brazilian society.

There are many things that I had issues with.....the title of the book being one of them.....but by far, it is the most substantial piece of work that has been published in English targeted in a non-sensationalist way for the non-brazilian public.

This thought provoking piece of work has led me to look internally and externally for answers to questions raised in this forum, and has also allowed me to formulate my own questions......

In any case, the book is worth adding to any library and especially of value to those individuals interested in African Based Diasporic religion/spirituality in Brazil.

This book represents a significant and thought provoking review of the history and social context of Candomble. I recommend it highly to any one who is already rather versed in the subject. It is not, however, written in language that is widely accessible to the average reader. Any college professors out there should think twice or thrice before assigning it to undergraduates, unless you wish to assign a dictionary as well! It is too densely written for the average person, something I consider a real crime in a book that is otherwise very good.

Although this book did include some worthy information on the Candomble subject, it entirety contained numerous lengthy definitions of what exactly a secret is, rather explore the subject any deeper. I personally was very disappointed with this author, gilding his lack of information contained in this book with an extensive vocabulary.

Good overall information on the subject of Brazilian Candomble. The content is factual as I have been a part of the religion for 25 years.

This is a fine piece of scholarship, but it is just that: a scholarly work. This is written for academics and very serious students of African diasporic religious traditions.