Chapter 2 - Azaka Summary and Analysis

The chapter about the spirit Azaka, or "Kouzen Zaka" begins with Karen telling the story of her journey to Mama Lola's home in May of 1984. Mama Lola is throwing Azaka a birthday party, as she must every year. The spirits will not work for her should she neglect them. When Karen arrives, Mama Lola is slumped against the table, feeling ill, and it is explained by her daughter, Maggie, that this is because Azaka thinks she is not going to throw him a party, as the preparations did not begin days in advance. Maggie explains that he has made Mama Lola ill as a result. Maggie and Karen get to work preparing pots of food, and they decorate the altar in accordance to what will please the spirit. These preparations begin around 10:00 at night, and the ceremonies...