About the Author

Irete Lazo (a pseudonym) is a practicing santera and former scientist who received her Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley. She has been a reporter at the San Jose Mercury News, an editor at Latina magazine, and a science correspondent for National Public Radio's Latino USA. She is currently a freelance science writer living with her husband and son in the San Francisco Bay Area. The Accidental Santera is her first novel.

Reviews

"The Accidental Santera is an evocative and sensitively written novel that captures the essence of a religion shrouded in mystery. It's Lazo's thinly veiled personal testament to a newly acquired faith...that brings spiritual comfort to those who follow its creed." --San Antonio Express News "This obviously autobiographical novel has the ring of truth....[R]eaders who want an up close and personal view of santeria will see what a rich support it is for family life, and what comfort--and responsibility--may be found there." --The Times-Picayune "The poignant story of one woman's journey into the fascinating world of Santería. Irete Lazo fearlessly describes the power and emotion of spiritual rituals and sheds humane insight on an often misunderstood religion. This heartfelt debut rings boldly, candidly true." --Cristina García, author of A Handbook to Luck "The Accidental Santera is a moving, original debut novel that made me shiver with delight. Irete Lazo is that rare combination of guts, grace and passion that, when translated onto the page, gives us truly fantastic literature." --Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez, bestselling author of Dirty Girls on Top "A terrifically entertaining read--filled with mysticism, spirituality, and womanist charm. Enticing and highly recommended." --Jewell Parker Rhodes, author of Voodoo Dreams and Yellow Moon