A first-world Bostonian, Julia Chilton Brewer is madly in love with William Brewer, a PhD candidate in art history fascinated with primitive artifacts and Africa. On the evening of their wedding, Julia and William set forth to Owerri, West Africa, beginning a great adventure together. As the newlyweds settle into their house in Owerri, William immerses himself in his work researching local artifacts as Julia helps the third-world women develop cottage industries and, through her Bostonian associates, becomes a partner in creating a cyberspace cafe. Meanwhile, with the local women guiding her, Julia is introduced to traditional rituals and witnesses the African women honoring the sacredness of Mamy Wata, their African diviner depicted in sculpture form. When Mamy Wata becomes a target of art thieves, the women begin an investigation to uncover the identity of the smugglers and soon discover problems that will impact all of their lives-and especially Julia's marriage.
As Julia is suddenly propelled into a journey that transports her between two worlds filled with intrigue, treachery, and betrayal, Mamy Wata may be the only force that can deliver a new consciousness to everyone."