Fiction with African Traditional Religious themes

There are quite a few novels that contain references to the orisha or the lwa. Some of which are very positive and well written. I've read all of these books so I will include a short description.

The Salt Roads by Nalo Hopkinson-takes place in 18th century Haiti, 19th century Paris, and ancient Egypt-the story of three women, a Haitian slave, an Egyptian saint, and a Paris courtesan who have a spiritual connection to Ezili Freda, Ezili Danto and La Sirene.

Chango's Fire by Ernesto Quinonez-about a Puerto Rican arsonist living in Spanish Harlem who turns from a life of organized crime to a more positive life because of his involvement in Santeria. This book also deals with the current issue of gentrification that El Barrio is facing.

The Accidental Santera-by Irete Lazo based on the authors spiritual journey into the orisha religion, it is about an agnostic biologist who finds peace, healing and fulfillment on her initiatory journey into Lucumi.

Dona Flor and her Two Husbands by Jorge Amado-the story of Dona Flor who turns to a Candomble priestess because her deceased husband is haunting her and causing problems in her second marriage. The scene where the orixas themselves intervene is beautiful. This was made into a film starring Sonia Braga and also into a telenovela.

War of the Saints by Jorge Amado-about a young girl who is to be initiated as a priestess of Oya but her fundamentalist Catholic aunt who is her legal guardian refuses to allow any exposure to the orisha religion. Oya herself comes to save the girl and sets the story in motion.

Memórias do Distrito de Diamantina, by João Felicio-this novel is more famous for its film and tv adaptation becoming the film and telenovela Xica da Silva. It is based on the true story of a slave woman Xica who lived in 18th century Brazil. She gains her freedom from becoming the beloved of the colonial governor. The tv show depicted aspects of the orixa tradition.

The Famished Road by Ben Okri-tells the story of a Nigerian boy in the 1960's who is an abiku or child that has died before and returned to its mother. His parents are often doing ebbos to save him from various disasters which occur due to his curiosity.

The Book of Night Women by Marlon James-the story of a Jamaican slave girl Lilith and her discovery of a secret society of African women who plot a slave revolt. References to Yoruba words and deities are throughout the book

How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents, Yo!by Julia Alvarez-these two books tell the stories of the Garicas, a Dominican family who flee the Dominican Republic during the Trujillo dictatorship. In Santo Domingo the Garcias have a Haitian nanny who practices Vodoun and uses it to protect the girls. In New York, the Garcias have a Dominican housekeeper who practices Espiritismo.

Still Water Saintsby Alex Espinoza about a Mexican American woman who owns a shop called Botanica Ochun in Southern California. She inherits the botanica from a Cuban santero. It is a series of short stories about the different people in town, their hopes, dreams, and tragedies. Very uplifting and sad, keep the tissues handy.

Master of the Crossroads by Madison Bell-a ficitonalized account of the Haitian Revolution. It includes a lot of references to Vodoun and the lwa.

Merrick by Anne Rice-part of her famous vampire series, the story of Merrick Mayfair a descendant of the famous European Mayfair witches and African American Vodoun practicioners. Set in New Orleans, it also discusses the story of David Talbot, who was initiated to Oxala (Obatala) in Brazilian Candomble. David's involvement in Candomble is discussed in Rice's book Tale of the Body Thief. Merrick uses florida water and invokes Papa Legba in the first chapter.

Of Love and Other Demons by Gabriel Garcia Marquez- set in Colombia's colonia period a Spanish nobleman's 12 yr old daughter is bitten by a rabid dog. Believing the girl to be possessed by demons due to her illness, she is taken to convent to be buried alive. The girl was raised mainly by Yoruba slave women who give her necklaces of the orisha and teach her the Yoruba language hence the reason why her family thinks she is speaking "in tongues". The girl is later revered as a local miracle working saint.

Voodoo Dreams by Jewell Parker Rhodes-fictionalized account of the life of
19th century famous Voodoo priestess Marie Leaveau whose tomb is a place of pigrimage in New Orelans.

There are more books of course and I will be updating this post in the future.