What do you think?
Rate this book
The New Orleans Voodoo Handbook
A guide to the practices, tools, and rituals of New Orleans Voodoo as well as the many cultural influences at its origins
• Includes recipes for magical oils, instructions for candle workings, and directions to create gris-gris bags and Voodoo dolls to attract love, money, justice, and healing and for retribution
• Explores the major figures of New Orleans Voodoo, including Marie Laveau and Dr. John
• Exposes the diverse ethnic influences at the core of Voodoo, from the African Congo to Catholic immigrants from Italy, France, and Ireland
One of America’s great native-born spiritual traditions, New Orleans Voodoo is a religion as complex, free-form, and beautiful as the jazz that permeates this steamy city of sin and salvation. From the French Quarter to the Algiers neighborhood, its famed vaulted cemeteries to its infamous Mardi Gras celebrations, New Orleans cannot escape its rich Voodoo tradition, which draws from a multitude of ethnic sources, including Africa, Latin America, Sicily, Ireland, France, and Native America.
In The New Orleans Voodoo Handbook , initiated Vodou priest Kenaz Filan covers the practices, tools, and rituals of this system of worship as well as the many facets of its origins. Exploring the major figures of New Orleans Voodoo, such as Marie Laveau and Dr. John, as well as Creole cuisine and the wealth of musical inspiration surrounding the Mississippi Delta, Filan examines firsthand documents and historical records to uncover the truth behind many of the city’s legends and to explore the oft-discussed but little-understood practices of the root doctors, Voodoo queens, and spiritual figures of the Crescent City. Including recipes for magical oils, instructions for candle workings, methods of divination, and even directions to create gris-gris bags, mojo hands, and Voodoo dolls, Filan reveals how to call on the saints and spirits of Voodoo for love, money, retribution, justice, and healing.
• Includes recipes for magical oils, instructions for candle workings, and directions to create gris-gris bags and Voodoo dolls to attract love, money, justice, and healing and for retribution
• Explores the major figures of New Orleans Voodoo, including Marie Laveau and Dr. John
• Exposes the diverse ethnic influences at the core of Voodoo, from the African Congo to Catholic immigrants from Italy, France, and Ireland
One of America’s great native-born spiritual traditions, New Orleans Voodoo is a religion as complex, free-form, and beautiful as the jazz that permeates this steamy city of sin and salvation. From the French Quarter to the Algiers neighborhood, its famed vaulted cemeteries to its infamous Mardi Gras celebrations, New Orleans cannot escape its rich Voodoo tradition, which draws from a multitude of ethnic sources, including Africa, Latin America, Sicily, Ireland, France, and Native America.
In The New Orleans Voodoo Handbook , initiated Vodou priest Kenaz Filan covers the practices, tools, and rituals of this system of worship as well as the many facets of its origins. Exploring the major figures of New Orleans Voodoo, such as Marie Laveau and Dr. John, as well as Creole cuisine and the wealth of musical inspiration surrounding the Mississippi Delta, Filan examines firsthand documents and historical records to uncover the truth behind many of the city’s legends and to explore the oft-discussed but little-understood practices of the root doctors, Voodoo queens, and spiritual figures of the Crescent City. Including recipes for magical oils, instructions for candle workings, methods of divination, and even directions to create gris-gris bags, mojo hands, and Voodoo dolls, Filan reveals how to call on the saints and spirits of Voodoo for love, money, retribution, justice, and healing.
320 pages, Paperback
First published August 16, 2011
66 people are currently reading
451 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
September 26, 2016
At first, I agreed with the other commentators about how this was more a book on New Orleans and less on Voodoo, but that was because I was, at first, jumping around the book. When I got serious, settled down, and read the book cover-to-cover, I discovered why the author decided to write the book the way he did. In my own studies in metaphysics, I found that you really can't know a practice until you explored and really understand the background.....in other words, what makes it what it is.
I mean sure, you can open up any book on magic, grab a spell, and voilá!...you get what you want (or not). But that's not really taking it seriously. If you really want to know and understand what you're doing, rather than thinking, "I don't care why it works, as long as it works!" (which I now feel is kind of a selfish newbie position to take), then it helps to do the research on where it comes from. In this case, the author has done an amazing, let alone entertaining, job on weaving this rug called New Orleans Voodoo into an understandable whole. You really won't have Voodoo without the atmosphere that animates it, so to speak. Otherwise, you're probably messing with things you have no idea about.
If I ever had to teach classes on Hoodoo or Voodoo (which I seriously doubt), I would build a 101 class around this book and assign it as required reading from cover-to-cover. It would be a prerequisite to getting into the more involved classes. I came away with feeling that messing with this kind of magic without the back story is like messing with chemicals without the instructions, so you better know what you're doing.
I mean sure, you can open up any book on magic, grab a spell, and voilá!...you get what you want (or not). But that's not really taking it seriously. If you really want to know and understand what you're doing, rather than thinking, "I don't care why it works, as long as it works!" (which I now feel is kind of a selfish newbie position to take), then it helps to do the research on where it comes from. In this case, the author has done an amazing, let alone entertaining, job on weaving this rug called New Orleans Voodoo into an understandable whole. You really won't have Voodoo without the atmosphere that animates it, so to speak. Otherwise, you're probably messing with things you have no idea about.
If I ever had to teach classes on Hoodoo or Voodoo (which I seriously doubt), I would build a 101 class around this book and assign it as required reading from cover-to-cover. It would be a prerequisite to getting into the more involved classes. I came away with feeling that messing with this kind of magic without the back story is like messing with chemicals without the instructions, so you better know what you're doing.
March 21, 2016
For a book that claimed from its title to be about Voodoo I was expecting more in-depth analysis on the subject. The book turned out to be a general guide to New Orleans which I found okay to read but not what I was actually intending to read by picking up this particular book.
Having read it I cannot unfortunately claim I understand much more about New Orleans Voodoo than I did before and I think for a handbook that says a lot.
Having read it I cannot unfortunately claim I understand much more about New Orleans Voodoo than I did before and I think for a handbook that says a lot.
December 31, 2019
2019: #12
I love Voodoo SO FUCKING MUCH.
Contrary to lots of the other reviews, I actually adore the fact that a lot of this book is history and background and folklore. After all, it's the New Orleans Voodoo Handbook as opposed to Haitian Vodou. When you get into something like Voodoo, something so engrained in a history and race and place and culture, something that came together through New Orleans' special blend of French, Canadian, Spanish, Catholic, African diasporic influences, the primer on the city is absolutely essential.
(I must admit, I am biased as I am New Orleans born and raised, and I miss it everyday, so reading and learning about it was a balm to my homesick heart.)
Of course, all the chapter on Voodoo were amazing as well! Though I would not say this book is a comprehensive "handbook", I would say it's an excellent primer or handbook for beginners. It lets you know the essentials and just whet my appetite for more knowledge, especially about gris-gris bags~!
I love Voodoo SO FUCKING MUCH.
Contrary to lots of the other reviews, I actually adore the fact that a lot of this book is history and background and folklore. After all, it's the New Orleans Voodoo Handbook as opposed to Haitian Vodou. When you get into something like Voodoo, something so engrained in a history and race and place and culture, something that came together through New Orleans' special blend of French, Canadian, Spanish, Catholic, African diasporic influences, the primer on the city is absolutely essential.
(I must admit, I am biased as I am New Orleans born and raised, and I miss it everyday, so reading and learning about it was a balm to my homesick heart.)
Of course, all the chapter on Voodoo were amazing as well! Though I would not say this book is a comprehensive "handbook", I would say it's an excellent primer or handbook for beginners. It lets you know the essentials and just whet my appetite for more knowledge, especially about gris-gris bags~!
November 3, 2012
Some day, some one will write a good book about New Orleans Voodoo. Unfortunately, this is not it. The first three chapters come off as if they were stolen from a Louisiana junior high history textbook. About a third of the pages were wasted on stuff that had nearly nothing to do with Voodoo, New Orleans style or other wise. A third of it has some interesting material that I haven't found any where else, but a quick peak at the notes told me where I can find that same information. Most of the time I read it, I felt like the author was just repeating stuff heard during several New Orleans tours, then double checked facts with a limited amount of research. Quite often Filan is repetitive.
March 14, 2019
This is one of the most educational and enjoyable books I've read in years. There is so much history prior to the magical concepts that provide such an excellent foundation I found myself understanding Voodoo on a deeper level and feeling so much respect for the practice as the author demonstrates such care in telling Voodoo's story. I was so positively impacted by this author that when I read another book on Voodoo by another I was disappointed by their lack of respect that I'd hoped to find as I had with this one. I highly recommend this book to anyone curious about Voodoo as a practice and it's history. Please note that this is not a book of spells, though there are a few in here.
September 10, 2023
Trigger warning: true crime.
(Considering some of the descriptions of Voodoo practices, I wasn't going to include this warning, but I personally wasn't prepared for the detail that the author went into when describing New Orleans' tragic true crime incidents.)
Opening with the history of New Orleans, Kenaz Filan gives a surprisingly detailed look into the origins of both the people and practices of the city.
The migration of people from vastly different climes and cultures, as well as those forcibly taken there (from multiple parts of the African continent) and made to work the land, contributed to the truly unique place that is New Orleans.
Filan writes with reverence of the many details that each have their own journeys to the Big Easy. From dishes (gumbo) that define the region, to musical styles (zydeco) and cultural celebrations (Mardi Gras), all are researched and explained in an understandable and relatable way.
The chapters aren't too long, which makes for a great read to slot into one's reading schedule.
As other reviewers have pointed out, the "Handbook" aspect of the book is lacking a little. Despite that, there are many mentions in the sections on history that I felt actually described practices and traditions of New Orleans in context.
This book is a good example of don't-judge-a-book-by-its-title. At face value I would assume it would contain only shocking practices and tragic history. While there are a great deal of both of those in the book, there's also plenty more. The descriptions of who, what, and when things went on over hundreds of years in New Orleans (and some of Europe and Africa) were eye-opening and made me fall in love with a place I had already been interested in.
I would recommend this book to a mature audience due to the graphic nature of some of the history of New Orleans and some of the voodoo practices themselves.
(Considering some of the descriptions of Voodoo practices, I wasn't going to include this warning, but I personally wasn't prepared for the detail that the author went into when describing New Orleans' tragic true crime incidents.)
Opening with the history of New Orleans, Kenaz Filan gives a surprisingly detailed look into the origins of both the people and practices of the city.
The migration of people from vastly different climes and cultures, as well as those forcibly taken there (from multiple parts of the African continent) and made to work the land, contributed to the truly unique place that is New Orleans.
Filan writes with reverence of the many details that each have their own journeys to the Big Easy. From dishes (gumbo) that define the region, to musical styles (zydeco) and cultural celebrations (Mardi Gras), all are researched and explained in an understandable and relatable way.
The chapters aren't too long, which makes for a great read to slot into one's reading schedule.
As other reviewers have pointed out, the "Handbook" aspect of the book is lacking a little. Despite that, there are many mentions in the sections on history that I felt actually described practices and traditions of New Orleans in context.
This book is a good example of don't-judge-a-book-by-its-title. At face value I would assume it would contain only shocking practices and tragic history. While there are a great deal of both of those in the book, there's also plenty more. The descriptions of who, what, and when things went on over hundreds of years in New Orleans (and some of Europe and Africa) were eye-opening and made me fall in love with a place I had already been interested in.
I would recommend this book to a mature audience due to the graphic nature of some of the history of New Orleans and some of the voodoo practices themselves.
March 25, 2020
A fun lens through which to learn about an awesome city
Spoiler alert: I didn’t buy this book because I wanted to become a voodoo practitioner. I bought it because we were in a voodoo store in New Orleans, surrounded by earnest adepts, and I have a soft spot for fringe believers and, truthfully, I’d been day dinking Hurricanes. We’d visited the grave of Marie Laveau, checked out the Voodoo Museum, visited some of the haunted sites, eaten beignets and vegan po’boys and strolled up and down Bourbon street which, even half empty, was an eye-opening dose of humanity. Our trip was almost over, and I bought this on a lark (and recommendation from the clerk). I wish I’d read this book before we got there. The author does a fine I occasionally disjointed job explaining the unique history of New Orleans, highlighting some of the famous sites and people and attractions and sharing how voodoo became so entrenched. There’s also a how-to sections on rituals. I skipped over those. The dark arts are not for me.
Reading it brought back a rush of good memories. Loved learning about all the weird little bits of trivia and the names and places that resonated now. It’s an amazing city, clearly loved by the author.
I could have done without the last little bit about Zack and Addie. I won’t go into detail, but the author sure does. It was unexpectedly gruesome.
Spoiler alert: I didn’t buy this book because I wanted to become a voodoo practitioner. I bought it because we were in a voodoo store in New Orleans, surrounded by earnest adepts, and I have a soft spot for fringe believers and, truthfully, I’d been day dinking Hurricanes. We’d visited the grave of Marie Laveau, checked out the Voodoo Museum, visited some of the haunted sites, eaten beignets and vegan po’boys and strolled up and down Bourbon street which, even half empty, was an eye-opening dose of humanity. Our trip was almost over, and I bought this on a lark (and recommendation from the clerk). I wish I’d read this book before we got there. The author does a fine I occasionally disjointed job explaining the unique history of New Orleans, highlighting some of the famous sites and people and attractions and sharing how voodoo became so entrenched. There’s also a how-to sections on rituals. I skipped over those. The dark arts are not for me.
Reading it brought back a rush of good memories. Loved learning about all the weird little bits of trivia and the names and places that resonated now. It’s an amazing city, clearly loved by the author.
I could have done without the last little bit about Zack and Addie. I won’t go into detail, but the author sure does. It was unexpectedly gruesome.
January 21, 2021
Something to note if you pick up this title is that it has very little to do with New Orleans magic, it merely touches on it.
The New Orleans Voodoo Handbook came off as more of a history and tourism guide. With that being said, the book was highly interesting and informative while being easy to read and understand. The book puts the New Orleans Voodoo seen into perspective, both explaining the history behind the practices and how they shaped modern-day practices. I found the book to be quite comprehensive as to what it covered.
Some of what you can expect to find in the book (all related to New Orleans Voodoo):
-history
-historical figures
-anthropology
-economics
-politics
-culture
-society
-magic (some how-to stuff)
-business
-locals
-mythology
I'd say this was an enjoyable read for myself but, if you are looking for a Voodoo 101 Spell-Book, this book may not be what you are looking for.
The New Orleans Voodoo Handbook came off as more of a history and tourism guide. With that being said, the book was highly interesting and informative while being easy to read and understand. The book puts the New Orleans Voodoo seen into perspective, both explaining the history behind the practices and how they shaped modern-day practices. I found the book to be quite comprehensive as to what it covered.
Some of what you can expect to find in the book (all related to New Orleans Voodoo):
-history
-historical figures
-anthropology
-economics
-politics
-culture
-society
-magic (some how-to stuff)
-business
-locals
-mythology
I'd say this was an enjoyable read for myself but, if you are looking for a Voodoo 101 Spell-Book, this book may not be what you are looking for.
Read
September 21, 2021Knowledgeable
Having just visited New Orleans the week before getting hit with hurricane Ida, it was awesome to read this book afterwards with better understanding. The understanding of exactly where these streets and shops were that were talked about, an understanding of how this statesman to be, and an understanding of how the natives built their traditions. Although I went on tours receiving history, this book provides a thorough, knowledgeable history like none other. I'm honored to have walked this historical land among its residents and spirits.
Having just visited New Orleans the week before getting hit with hurricane Ida, it was awesome to read this book afterwards with better understanding. The understanding of exactly where these streets and shops were that were talked about, an understanding of how this statesman to be, and an understanding of how the natives built their traditions. Although I went on tours receiving history, this book provides a thorough, knowledgeable history like none other. I'm honored to have walked this historical land among its residents and spirits.
November 13, 2018
Only about a third of this book is really relevant, directly, to the title and subject matter. Another third is pretty much straight-up NOLA history - but I really enjoyed that. The remainder felt like filler, and I started to get a little antsy to finish a little over halfway in... but I guess I'm feeling sentimental after a recent trip to The Big Easy -and I really did enjoy a lot of this- so despite probably being a 3+ to maybe 3.5, I am giving a Goodreads 4.
August 29, 2017
More like a 4 and a half. Awesome book! Yes it covers the basics of Voodoo in New Orleans, however the insight and history of the city is what shines here. This just turned my want of visiting NOLA into a need.
Also a lot of information to research further is in this book; from music to murders this book truly captivated me on the spirit that surrounds the city.
Also a lot of information to research further is in this book; from music to murders this book truly captivated me on the spirit that surrounds the city.
November 4, 2018
Similarly to what other reviews have said, the Filan wrote a handbook more as a general guide to the city of New Orleans and less as a guide, or even a general book about, New Orleans Voodoo. That being said, it was a mildly entertaining book about New Orleans, which is why I gave it three stars instead of less.
February 4, 2020
Handy & informative book... Although i was expecting a little bit more about the practice...and not so much about the history. But the history was interesting to know too! Without it the present would not be. Very clearly written... and told about the basics of Voodoo pretty good! I read this because i wanted to know more about this fascinating "religion"! The book explained it perfectly!
April 22, 2024
"Unlike Haitian Vodou or other more organized Afro-Caribbean traditions, New Orleans Voodoo is a freeform system of worship. You can incorporate whatever works for yo into your personal practices, and nobody will tell you that you're doing it wrong. On the other hand, no one is going to tell you that you're doing it right."
February 5, 2025
An excellent book on New Orleans, its religion and culture. A lot of books about religion or spirituality don't focus on the cultures from which they originated, which is a mistake. You can't understand a religion or spiritual movement without understanding both its origins and the culture in which it thrived or thrives. This author nailed it.
June 4, 2017
I adore this book but the title is deceiving. It is more of a love letter to the city than about voodoo.
August 3, 2017
I was more interested in the voodoo portion than the history.
July 15, 2018
Pretty informative and really fascinating. I learned alot about voodoo and Louisiana's culture and history through this book.
June 30, 2019
So ordinary..
Read
August 21, 2020if u can read a book abt new orleans and not come up with 500 script ideas u will never write i want ur brain
October 15, 2020
Very eye-opening on the tradition
January 28, 2024
I wish there was more on actual New Orleans voodoo practices,the focus was more about the city and information on what the city has to offer.
June 2, 2025
The title is slightly misleading, it is mostly about the history of New Orleans. Still a good book and with a read!
May 29, 2019
A very interesting look into the VooDoo culture and religion.
June 11, 2021
UPDATE A YEAR LATER:
We did indeed use it for her American History curriculum as well as Gumbo YaYa per recommended in this book.
My kid absolutely loved both books. I thought that Gumbo YaYa would be hard for her to read but she read the whole dang thing. She loved New Orleans Voodoo Handbook as well. I recommend both to other home schoolparents.
****************
This is my personal review of this book. Take it or leave it.
This book is so well-written that I'm going to use it for my homeschool student's history curriculum next year. It is packed with Louisiana history, backstories to legendary names I've heard of my entire life, and opportunities to learn more about myself than I ever thought I'd learn by picking up a book.
It took me a month to read this book. I kept putting down the book to learn further of people, places, and things mentioned. One day I stopped and drove into the city to the local used music shop and bought up all of their Jelly Roll Morton and Leadbelly CDs. Another kick I sidetracked on was painting tributes to Marie Laveau on rocks and hiding them around my town. How in the world it happened to be on one of the supposed dates of her death.
I had quite a few synchronicities as I was reading this book.
The synchronicities led me to further investigations, investigations trigger by curiosity of other things, which led to an awakening within myself.
I love this book.
We did indeed use it for her American History curriculum as well as Gumbo YaYa per recommended in this book.
My kid absolutely loved both books. I thought that Gumbo YaYa would be hard for her to read but she read the whole dang thing. She loved New Orleans Voodoo Handbook as well. I recommend both to other home schoolparents.
****************
This is my personal review of this book. Take it or leave it.
This book is so well-written that I'm going to use it for my homeschool student's history curriculum next year. It is packed with Louisiana history, backstories to legendary names I've heard of my entire life, and opportunities to learn more about myself than I ever thought I'd learn by picking up a book.
It took me a month to read this book. I kept putting down the book to learn further of people, places, and things mentioned. One day I stopped and drove into the city to the local used music shop and bought up all of their Jelly Roll Morton and Leadbelly CDs. Another kick I sidetracked on was painting tributes to Marie Laveau on rocks and hiding them around my town. How in the world it happened to be on one of the supposed dates of her death.
I had quite a few synchronicities as I was reading this book.
The synchronicities led me to further investigations, investigations trigger by curiosity of other things, which led to an awakening within myself.
I love this book.
February 27, 2016
In preparation of hosting our first annual Halloween Haunt, a theme slowly developed. Owning seven acres with the back few acres a low-laying swampy area, the idea of a 'Voodoo on the Bayou' theme emerged. Living on the Gulf Coast of Alabama, it was nothing to skip school for the day and make a quick drive to New Orleans and spend the day only to be home in time for school bell to signal the end of the day. While not a native of New Orleans, its charm and folklore has colored the surrounding area and flavored not only the local foods but also the beliefs and legends that are unique only to NoLa.
In an effort to prepare myself a little better for the haunt, I checked out a book on New Orleans Voodoo. And at first, I did feel like I was taking a high school history class, with all the background information. But then things messed together and it became clear that to truly understand the religion of voodoo, you must first understand how it developed into what it has become. It is like nothing else in the world, the same as the city where it originated. Others might try to create a likeness, but it will never outshine the original. It is a gumbo of sorts, a little of this, a pinch of that and a good dose of the other, and you have voodoo.
In an effort to prepare myself a little better for the haunt, I checked out a book on New Orleans Voodoo. And at first, I did feel like I was taking a high school history class, with all the background information. But then things messed together and it became clear that to truly understand the religion of voodoo, you must first understand how it developed into what it has become. It is like nothing else in the world, the same as the city where it originated. Others might try to create a likeness, but it will never outshine the original. It is a gumbo of sorts, a little of this, a pinch of that and a good dose of the other, and you have voodoo.
January 16, 2013
So I read this book in the past week, and I have to say he spends the first 160 pages writing about the history of New Orleans. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but I found myself skimming it more than actually reading it.
Once part 3 starts titled: The Spirits the author begins to share information that is pertinent to actually understanding and practicing the faith that was born in NOLA. He discusses some lesser known important spirits to the New Orleans practitioners. There were even some spirits I had not heard of. He then discusses gris-gris bags, oils, and dolls/poppets.
The informative sections runs from page 160 to about 280. (I think those are the page numbers, the book is upstairs and I don't care enough to go look).
After the good section he derails again into being a tour guide discussing where to eat and stay in the city. Which would be good if I had bought a travel guide.
I can't say I would recommend you buy this book, but if you can borrow it or check it out from a library I would say to that just for the section on the spirits, gris-gris, oils, and dolls/poppets.
Once part 3 starts titled: The Spirits the author begins to share information that is pertinent to actually understanding and practicing the faith that was born in NOLA. He discusses some lesser known important spirits to the New Orleans practitioners. There were even some spirits I had not heard of. He then discusses gris-gris bags, oils, and dolls/poppets.
The informative sections runs from page 160 to about 280. (I think those are the page numbers, the book is upstairs and I don't care enough to go look).
After the good section he derails again into being a tour guide discussing where to eat and stay in the city. Which would be good if I had bought a travel guide.
I can't say I would recommend you buy this book, but if you can borrow it or check it out from a library I would say to that just for the section on the spirits, gris-gris, oils, and dolls/poppets.
April 24, 2016
This book is a scam. I don't think the author really knows as much about New Orleans Voodoo as he does New Orleans, or he is just too lazy to write about it or he is just trying to sell an extra book. If I wanted to know the addresses of all the restaurants and what kind of food they served, I wouldn't have picked up a book that claims to be about voodoo.
There are moments of interesting practices and mythos discussed, and I did learn some things about voodoo. But, that seemed to be a pretty small part of the book. Most of it is a hodge-podge of boring information on New Orleans tradition--something I was not interested in reading about. I ended up getting frustrated and skimmed through the last two sections to see if there was anything else about voodoo. Once I came to realize there wasn't squat about the subject, I closed the book and considered myself done.
Anyway, if you want to read a book about voodoo, don't bother with this. If you want a travel guide and history lesson pertaining to New Orleans, then this is the book for you.
I won't be reading anything else by this author.
1 out of 5.
There are moments of interesting practices and mythos discussed, and I did learn some things about voodoo. But, that seemed to be a pretty small part of the book. Most of it is a hodge-podge of boring information on New Orleans tradition--something I was not interested in reading about. I ended up getting frustrated and skimmed through the last two sections to see if there was anything else about voodoo. Once I came to realize there wasn't squat about the subject, I closed the book and considered myself done.
Anyway, if you want to read a book about voodoo, don't bother with this. If you want a travel guide and history lesson pertaining to New Orleans, then this is the book for you.
I won't be reading anything else by this author.
1 out of 5.
March 24, 2014
I wanted to learn more about Voodoo as I'm writing a fiction book set in New Orleans. Although there are voodoo references in the music and on its own sometimes the book doesn't connect those to Catholic Saints as I think it should. Santeria's connection is not really explained either.
From what I learned talking to Voodoo practitioners in New Orleans there are many elements to voodoo/ a gumbo in New Orleans that is not found in other places. I think this is what he meant but somehow leaves the reader confused.
My rating is a 4 (more like 3.6) for all the information from cooking, music, to voodoo but I have to say it was hard to focus on what I did read. He might consider editing this book to make it more sequential or separate the religious aspects from the history and culture.
At the same time his chapter topics were individually well researched. Perhaps his mistake was to emphasize VOODOO in the title when the book is more about the city, its history and culture.
From what I learned talking to Voodoo practitioners in New Orleans there are many elements to voodoo/ a gumbo in New Orleans that is not found in other places. I think this is what he meant but somehow leaves the reader confused.
My rating is a 4 (more like 3.6) for all the information from cooking, music, to voodoo but I have to say it was hard to focus on what I did read. He might consider editing this book to make it more sequential or separate the religious aspects from the history and culture.
At the same time his chapter topics were individually well researched. Perhaps his mistake was to emphasize VOODOO in the title when the book is more about the city, its history and culture.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews