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roohanin's review against another edition
5.0
An intense, emotional rollercoaster that reveals the harrowing consequences of prioritizing religion over humanity. Safia Sinclair's poetic prowess and compelling narrative make this memoir an unforgettable read.
Reading "How to Say Babylon" by Safia Sinclair was an intense and emotional journey that required multiple breaks to process. The memoir is a gripping rollercoaster of emotions, making me cry, and sharing in her anger and despair. Sinclair’s story starkly illustrates the consequences of prioritizing religion over humanity.
Before diving into this book, I was unfamiliar with Rastafarianism. The extensive backstory provided, even before her birth, was enlightening. However, it became clear that her family's extreme practice of religion should not be seen as a definitive representation of Rastafarianism. I suspect there is much more to the faith than what was depicted in her father's household, encompassing both positive and negative aspects.
I rarely use the word "hate" due to its intensity, but I genuinely hated her father throughout the book. His actions were profoundly disturbing. Despite the darkness, I was relieved to see Sinclair eventually finding a support system for her brother and mother.
Safia Sinclair masterfully crafts a coherent and compelling story arc in her memoir. While I typically do not enjoy poetry, as I often struggle to understand it, her poetic prowess shines through her prose. Although some of her poetic language puzzled me, I could still grasp the overarching meanings and emotions she conveyed.
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, Bullying, Classism, Gaslighting, Cursing, Child abuse, Colonisation, Emotional abuse, and Misogyny
karleeread's review against another edition
4.5
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Child abuse, and Domestic abuse
Moderate: Mental illness, Sexual assault, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Infertility and Miscarriage
wynnebirchmaple's review against another edition
4.75
Graphic: Addiction, Bullying, Gaslighting, Physical abuse, Racism, Adult/minor relationship, Toxic relationship, Colonisation, Death of parent, Forced institutionalization, Sexual harassment, Body shaming, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Mental illness
mshahan's review against another edition
4.75
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Child abuse, Violence, and Suicidal thoughts
narrnaul's review
4.75
Graphic: Physical abuse, Misogyny, Child abuse, Mental illness, Emotional abuse, and Sexual assault
adawada's review against another edition
3.5
Graphic: Bullying, Suicide attempt, Toxic relationship, Violence, Physical abuse, Child abuse, Gaslighting, Domestic abuse, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Blood, Fire/Fire injury, Confinement, Death, and Abandonment
Minor: Drug use
nadia's review against another edition
4.0
Current Women's Prize 2024 Non-Fiction Shortlist rankings:
1. How to Say Babylon
2. Code Dependent
3. A Flat Place
4. Thunderclap
5. Doppelganger
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Child abuse
lcg527's review
5.0
Graphic: Violence, Emotional abuse, Drug use, Suicidal thoughts, Racism, and Body shaming
salemander's review
5.0
Graphic: Racism, Child abuse, Adult/minor relationship, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Sexual assault, Suicide attempt, Body shaming, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Colonisation, Police brutality, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, and Misogyny
hannahleewhite's review against another edition
4.0
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Bullying, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Sexual assault