Lorraine Avila's "The Making of Yolanda la Bruja" is a powerful and enlightening book that delves into the life and legacy of one of the most influential spiritual leaders of our time. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Avila takes readers on a journey through Yolanda's life, from her childhood in Puerto Rico to her rise as a revered and controversial figure in the world of Santeria.

One of the strengths of this book is the way in which Avila contextualises Yolanda's life within the broader cultural and social landscape of Puerto Rico and the United States. She explains how Yolanda's upbringing in a working-class family, coupled with the racism and discrimination she experienced as a young Puerto Rican woman in the US, informed her worldview and her approach to spirituality.

Avila's writing is engaging and informative, and she is able to convey complex spiritual concepts in a clear and accessible manner. She does an excellent job of explaining the history and beliefs of Santeria, as well as the controversies and criticisms that have surrounded Yolanda and her practice of animal sacrifice.

One of the most powerful aspects of the book is the way in which Avila explores the role that Yolanda played as a healer and community leader. Through interviews with Yolanda's family, friends, and followers, Avila portrays a woman who was deeply committed to helping others, particularly those who were marginalized or oppressed. Yolanda's dedication to her community is particularly striking given the challenges she faced as a woman of color in a male-dominated field.

Another key theme of the book is the way in which Yolanda's practice of Santeria challenged traditional power structures and hierarchies. Avila explains how Santeria, with its emphasis on individual spiritual experience and direct communication with the divine, has the potential to disrupt established religious institutions and authority figures. Yolanda's willingness to challenge these structures and to empower others to do the same made her a controversial figure, but also a powerful one.

Throughout the book, Avila is careful to present a balanced and nuanced view of Yolanda and her legacy. She acknowledges the criticisms that have been leveled against Yolanda, particularly around her practice of animal sacrifice, and does not shy away from exploring the complex ethical and cultural questions that arise in this context. At the same time, Avila is clearly sympathetic to Yolanda and her mission, and portrays her as a deeply spiritual and compassionate person who had a profound impact on those around her.

In addition to exploring Yolanda's life and legacy, Avila also provides a broader analysis of Santeria and its place in contemporary spirituality. She argues that Santeria has the potential to challenge dominant religious paradigms and to create a more inclusive and egalitarian spiritual community. Avila's analysis is insightful and thought-provoking, and adds an important dimension to the book.

Overall, "The Making of Yolanda la Bruja" is a must-read for anyone interested in spirituality, social justice, and the intersection of the two. Avila's writing is clear and accessible, and she does an excellent job of contextualizing Yolanda's life within the broader cultural and social landscape of her time. The book is also a testament to the power of community and the importance of individual agency in the face of oppression and marginalization. Highly recommended.