The author writes from the level of his initiation with love and respect for the Religion. Dont expect any depth or fireworks (if you want that read Wande Abimbola) if you just want an introduction to Santeria read and enjoy.

It is hard to quantify and get accurate material about what is essentially a secret religion. It has maintained it's strength through secrecy and privacy. This book is a basic level, not an advanced level or something that would be perfection to learning. I would reccommend several books, at least a dozen to get a clear framework.

There are mix reviews of this book, some like it; some do not, as everything in life. But if you want to learn this "History" of the Lucumi religion known as Santeria as practiced in Cuba, then this is really not that bad of a book. This is not one of those, "How to Books", it is as I have said, more of a historical prospective. Good for those who just want a basic understanding of the Santeria. It also touches on the Palo Mayombe, and Monte, and gives a bit of the differences between the different people of Africa and their Spiritual backgrounds.

A lot of people do not like it, or like to discredit it, but honestly the information is well researched, and aquarate. All done in the most High Respects and in good taste to the Santeria Lucumi Religion.