The Magic of Marie Laveau

Embracing the Spiritual Legacy of the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans

By: Denise Alvarado

Narrated by: Adenrele Ojo

Length: 7 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's Summary

The life and work of the legendary "Pope of Voodoo", Marie Laveau - a free woman of color who practically ruled New Orleans in the mid-1800s

Marie Laveau may be the most influential American practitioner of the magical arts; certainly, she is among the most famous. She is the subject of songs, films, and legends and the star of New Orleans ghost tours. Her grave in New Orleans ranks among the most popular spiritual pilgrimages in the US. Devotees venerate votive images of Laveau, who proclaimed herself the "Pope of Voodoo." She is the subject of respected historical biographies and the inspiration for novels by Francine Prose and Jewell Parker Rhodes. She even appears in Marvel Comics and on the television show American Horror Story: Coven, where she was portrayed by Angela Bassett. 

Author Denise Alvarado explores Marie Laveau's life and work - the fascinating history and mystery. This book gives an overview of New Orleans Voodoo, its origins, history, and practices. It contains spells, prayers, rituals, recipes, and instructions for constructing New Orleans voodoo-style altars and crafting a voodoo amulet known as a gris-gris.

©2019 Denise Alvarado; foreword copyright 2019 by Carolyn Morrow Long (P)2020 Tantor

Cuts through the myths and reveals a multidimensional woman

I really enjoyed this book. It brought Marie Laveau to life for me and I now have an even greater appreciation for her. So often tales about Marie are scandalous and scary. It makes it easy to forget that she was a living breathing multidimensional woman who was ahead of her time. This isn’t a story book. It’s a biography. I must admit that it will take a 2nd listen to ensure I understand the different deities that were addressed,and boy, do I wish there was a PDF of the rituals included with this audiobook. I suppose I will bookmark my favorite rituals during the 2nd listen.

Surface... not what i expected...

I was expecting an in depth look at Laveau and voodoo. It was too surface for my taste. It jumped all over the place and didn't feel cohesive. I quit at the part that they quoted Twitter.

Didn't care for the narration.

Excellence in writing and story telling

This book is well researched and laid out. it gives an educated honest look at the life of a religious icon. As a Pagan, I would recommend this book to anyone that is looking to further their knowledge of Voodoo and learn acceptance of other religions.

loved it

this book contains so much wisdom, I loved every second of it! I learned so much ❤️

Did the other reviewers listen to more than pt. 1?

The first part of this book is a mostly factual, and mostly dry, account of the historical Marie Laveau. Already not the greatest book.

The rest of the book progresses to tell you how to perform a myriad of silly invented rituals and informs you how to become a practitioner of this quasi religion. A lot of terminology is thrown around which does nothing to obscure the fact that this is all nothing more than made up ridiculousness. The book isn't teaching you a religion or a time-honored tradition. It's just the author saying how she coopted some aspects of a religion and then made the rest up.

Could not finish the book and absolutely do not recommend.

The Magic of Marie Laveau

I absolutely loved this audiobook. It was a real treat to listen to. I learned so I much about NOLA history, LWA, Spirit and Marie!

Has history and religion.

Lot of good history found in this book, and later the religion of Voodoo is talked about. She was quite a person who did care and wanted to do some good for her city, and it's people.

Love

This author not only tell the history correctly but she also points out how this amazing woman would relate to society and its problems in our present day world. Marie was not a the myth many people believe her time be she was a real person who was devoted to helping people and serving her community in a positive way throughout her life Well written a great read!!

phenomenal

this book was awesome to listen to I enjoyed the story I enjoyed what I learned I'm definitely going to buy the hard copy take notes so I can hands and improve my knowledge of all things spiritual thank you so much this was an awesome awesome book

Such a good book!!!!!

What can I say Denise Alvarado outdid herself!!!! Amazing! Great research! I feel the love and respect! The reading voice though is not very good, just ok.

Couldn't finish

Even though I think the book is very interesting, I couldn't stand the narrator, and therefore I couldn't for my life finish the book. I'll think I have to get the book on Kindle instead.

overall a good listen

At times it stands high on the soap box Especially when discussing racisl and sexual politics. At other times the information given is vague. However still a reasonably good listen, with a solid grounding. All in I did not regret purchasing it.