Author Description

An acknowledged classic in the horror genre, THE RELIGION tells the story of a Professor of Anthropology who relocates with his young son to New York City after the accidental death of his wife, and the way father and son become unknowingly enmeshed in the ongoing practice of Voodoo--and other voodoo-based cults--that survive in some of the city's communities. Suggested by carefully researched material, including police files and newspaper archives, the book supposes the continuing practice of human sacrifice for the purpose--as in ancient beliefs--of averting the wrath of divine forces, perhaps even to avert the end of civilization. Embracing the story of a father's love for his endangered young son, as well as a man's needful quest to find happiness again after a personal tragedy, THE RELIGION makes real what many must think impossible. It is not, however just a suspenseful story, nor merely a gripping emotional experience, but an informative examination of the primitive urges in Mankind that give rise to beliefs that can be at times sacred and holy, and at other times, misguided and profane. The book iwas adapted into the movie "The Believers" starring Martin Sheen, and directed by the reknowned English director John Schlesinger, but as only a book can do, it delves much eeper into the history, and detail of the contemporary practice of Voodoo than is possible in the film.