The Red of His Shadow

In the foreword to the book, Montero notes that that the novel "narrates real events that occurred a few years ago". The authorities of the Dominican Republic dismissed the case as a simple crime of passion, but this book tells the true story. The true story is as complex as moving as the official verion is simple and sordid. It centers on a conflict between a powerful and political Houngan and a famous local Mambo who both loves him and opposes his aims. More than a simple crime of passion, the story is a desperate magical war born in poverty, death and love. I am impressed by the way that Montero is able to draw the reader into the novel using such spare language and unsentimental tone. To treat the subjects of the book with the excesses of the more flowery side of magical realism would have been disrespecful. The result is powerful, and occasionally dizzying. For the reader unfamiliar with the details of Haitian politics (I was one such reader) I am afraid that the spareness occasionally works against understanding the fulness of the layers. While the disconnect between the official version and the presented material creates its own dialogue, I can't help feeling that I would have heard even more resonances if I had properly understood the politics between Haiti and the Dominican Republic. I don't expect that Montero should write for the ignorant, but I am not sure that I got all that I could out of reading the book. The translation is not a stumbling block for the reader, and seems to work well. I would advise that you make frequent use of the glossary at the back. While you do not need to understand the words to follow the story, it does add to the richness to have some context. Recommended. I will be looking out for more Montero in the future.

First a hint: Read the authors note. It explains the meanings of some of the words used. For instance mysteries actually relates to Gods. It also explains that this book is based on a true story. Now on to the review: I personally loved this book. It's a total immersion into the world of the Voodoun priest and priestess and those cane cutters around them during the time of "Papa Doc" Duvalier. The story draws you inexorably in even as the characters are drawn inexorably closer to ther ends. Please note that if you are offended by a reference to incest and polygamy you may wish to avoid this book. It has a couple of references to each. My only complaint is that I wish the book were longer.

This novel returns to the folk beliefs that were expressed so well in the best known of Montero's works, In the Palm of Darkness. This novel is based on an actual event which occurs during the annual pilgrimage during the Triduum (last three days of Holy Week). The tale follows the life of a young girl through her life as the head of a religious society, as a "voodoo priestess" (my term not Montero's). Montero assumes that the reader has little knowledge of the life and beliefs of Dominican/Haitian suger cane workers. Therefore, she provides rich detail setting the scene for the reader, remarkably so given the length of the book. While the book centers on the love triangle of Zule, her teacher's son and a rival priest, there are many memorable figures presented in the book. Montero's ability to make characters memorable is a major asset. While the (tragic)outcome is apparent early in the story, the means of the outcome is not. This allows Montero to establish a foreboding atmosphere without disclosing the story's climax. The foreboding verges on heavyhanded oppression; readers may quarrel whether Montero crossed the line. Even if one considers the foreboding heavyhanded, this book is enjoyable reading and educational regarding life in Haiti/Dominican Republic.