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a_monkey's review against another edition
3.0
I don’t usually go into whether a book’s politics are objectionable because this website is mainly used by adults; but suffice it to say that a lot of this book is about colonial attitudes toward race, and while nodding often in the direction of respectful inclusivity, depicts language and attitudes that would be fairly risible by any modern-day calculus. There’s also some bracing animal cruelty that some may prefer to be forewarned about. Honestly though, if you know the reputation of Seabrook or this book in particular, the above probably isn’t news.
Seabrook does seem animated by a curiosity and respect regarding other people’s cultures and religious practises that sees him recounting some pretty far-out stuff with a zeal that strives to preserve the dignity of its subjects. I don’t know that I’d trust myself to claim much authority on voudon beliefs or practices after having read this book, but those portions of the book certainly make for gripping adventure yarns. The later sections are somewhat drier, though there are some highlights (honestly the cockfighting chapter is quite delightful if you’re not averse to such subject matter).
I’m curious to read more by this intrepid, problematic individual.
Seabrook does seem animated by a curiosity and respect regarding other people’s cultures and religious practises that sees him recounting some pretty far-out stuff with a zeal that strives to preserve the dignity of its subjects. I don’t know that I’d trust myself to claim much authority on voudon beliefs or practices after having read this book, but those portions of the book certainly make for gripping adventure yarns. The later sections are somewhat drier, though there are some highlights (honestly the cockfighting chapter is quite delightful if you’re not averse to such subject matter).
I’m curious to read more by this intrepid, problematic individual.
vincentkonrad's review against another edition
3.0
A fascinating account of voodoo and Haitian culture. Who knows how reliable it is.
Though the narrator is quick to defend the validity of the things he records and the humanity of the people involved, and notes other contrasting attitudes as, there is nonetheless an undertone of kindly racism in his characterisation of the Haitians as naive and childlike in their ways.
Though the narrator is quick to defend the validity of the things he records and the humanity of the people involved, and notes other contrasting attitudes as, there is nonetheless an undertone of kindly racism in his characterisation of the Haitians as naive and childlike in their ways.
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