Book Review

[kenjari]

The War of the Saints
by Jorge Amado

This warm, vivacious, fun novel is set in late 1960s Bahia, the capital city of the Brazilian region of the same name. A famous and antique statue of St. Barbara of the Thunder is due to arrive at the city's port so that it can be included in an important exhibition of sacred art. However, upon arrival, the statue miraculously comes to life and St. Barbara disappears into the city, where she has a profound affect on the lives of many people in the city. Among the effects of her actions and influence are the freeing of a young woman from incarceration in a convent, liberating the young woman's aunt from her overly rigid and puritanical ways, saving a left-leaning priest from assassination, making the police and other authorities look foolish, and inciting celebration throughout the city.
The War of the Saints champions sensuality over prudery, liberality over constraint, and joyfulness over repression. As such, it was delight to read.

Comments

[sovay]

Among the effects of her actions and influence are the freeing of a young woman from incarceration in a convent, liberating the young woman's aunt from her overly rigid and puritanical ways, saving a left-leaning priest from assassination, making the police and other authorities look foolish, and inciting celebration throughout the city.

I will have to read this one. I loved Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands.

[kenjari.livejournal.com]

Gabriela, Clove, and Cinnamon is also quite good.