After the influenza epidemic of 1918 that killed thousands of people in Southern Africa, many revivalist movements sprouted, with prophets preaching resistance and reform. Nontetha, a middle-aged Xhosa woman, survived the flu and became one such prophet, experiencing visions that told her the epidemic was a punishment from God, leading her on a mission to reform her people. Edgar (African Studies, Howard U.), and Sapire (imperial and commonwealth history, Birkbeck College, U. of London) tell the story of this remarkable woman, while at the same time exploring issues of gender, Christianity, protest, and the social history of madness. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)