This nonfiction historical book has some radical themes, which some might consider to be heresy. Dona Beatriz or Kimpa Vita, is a Kongolese noble woman (from the Kongo region in Africa) who was raised under Christianity/ Catholicism. During her life, she challenged the church and its ideas. She founded a new movement called, Antonianism, which still supported Catholicism but set the Kongo as the true Holy Land. Also, she stated the capital of Kongo, Mbanza Kongo was Bethlehem and Jesus was born there, making him an Kongo man. For the time, these thoughts were too radical, and when she tried to end the civil war and create a national restoration movement; she was captured and burned at the stake.

Her story of struggle and triumph is told through her father, Basi. In truth, her interpretation of the Bible is not new and others throughout history have indicated Africa to be the true home of the Bible, and that Jesus, with his copper skin and hair of wool in fact come from there as well. Even in America, several Christian denominations within the Black Church, do depict Jesus as a Black man. Overall, I would recommend this book for both religious and non-religious.

*I received this e-book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Interesting story and life told by Basi's Father. Smart, historical and not the average African autobiography. This book left me searching for more on this author.

THE BLACK HAND OF GOD was an overwhelming, awe-inspiring account of the establishment of Christianity in the Kongo. This is one enriching account to be read and absorbed, which will leave you wanting to know more. I highly recommend this one.

Black Hand of God is speculative fiction about the life of Dona Beatriz aka Kimpa Vita, "African Joan of Arc." This is deep prose conveying the struggle and transformation of Vita told through recalled memory (from her father) of this Kongolese history, which makes the book a more mystical encounter than simple he said/she said.

The story of an African woman raised as a catholic who challenged the church and its ideas on the African continent, I found the subject matter interesting but the book hard to read and had trouble finishing the book