Convictions of Faith

 

(Paperback link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/098414742X : Kindle Edition: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083SSCBXW)

After declaring herself the reincarnation of Saint Anthony, Kimpa Vita, gains a large following, yet she must contend with her own crisis of faith stemming from the constant reminders of her mortality.

Father Bernardo, the leader of the Portuguese Catholic church in Kongo, is confronted by traditional religious concepts which, despite some idolatry and similar foreign concepts, are generally compatible with his. He struggles with whether form or substance are more important in his missionary work.

King Pedro, whose power is both supported and undermined by the slave trade, is confronted and tormented by the legacy he wants to leave. He is being driven to choose between his faith and culture against a backdrop of numerous challengers, all hoping to consolidate vassals and restore the weakened Kongo to its former glory. As he tries to strike a balance between strength of leadership and empathy for his subjects, he realizes his decision is between an economy built purely on capturing and selling slaves or on the craftsmen and artisans his kingdom was once known for.

The three crises coalesce to set up a confrontation with the highest of stakes, not only for Kimpa Vita, Pedro and Bernardo, but also for the future of the Kingdom.

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