The Serpent and the Rainbow by Wade Davis

The Serpent and the Rainbow takes readers deep into the heart of Haitian culture and the world of voodoo.

Wade Davis, an ethnobotanist, was sent to Haiti in the early 1980s by Harvard University to investigate the science behind a curious phenomenon: the creation of zombies. Not the Hollywood kind, but the real-life Haitian zombies that were rumored to be made by powerful voodoo priests. What begins as a scientific mission to understand the use of certain natural toxins quickly evolves into something much deeper—a cultural exploration of Haitian society, spirituality, and its deep-rooted connection to voodoo practices.

As in his other works, Davis balances rigorous scientific inquiry with an open-minded respect for Haitian beliefs. As he delves into the mystery of the zombie powder, he uncovers the complex, often misunderstood world of voodoo, revealing it not as the sinister force it's often portrayed as in popular culture, but as a rich, spiritual tradition that plays a vital role in Haitian life. Along the way, he encounters voodoo priests, shamans, and secret societies, all of which add layers of intrigue and insight into a culture shaped by colonial history and social struggle.

But this isn’t just an adventure story—it’s also an insightful look into how different cultures approach life, death, and the unseen forces of the world.

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