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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
shainabriley's review against another edition
4.75
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Violence, and Child abuse
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
elisecavanaugh's review against another edition
4.5
Graphic: Child abuse
Moderate: Self harm
mshahan's review against another edition
4.75
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Child abuse, Violence, and Suicidal thoughts
katewhite77's review against another edition
5.0
Safia Sinclair is a poet, and it shows in her wonderful prose style. Though the writing style is beautifully poetic, the content is hard to read to read. Don't go into this expecting an easy ride, especially because the writing is visceral.
Safia grew up in Montego Bay Jamaica with her mother, father, and three younger siblings, who are all rastafari. This is, for the most part, a peaceful religion that believes Jamaica should be free from white colonial rule, also known as Babylon.
Over time however Safia"s father is over taken by religious furver and starts to follow a sect that believes in a very narrow interpretation of rastafaranism, particularly in regard to the role of women. This leads to him exerting tighter and tighter control over the females in the family.
Safia finds an escape route out through education and poetry. The book is dedicated to her mother, and it is easy to see why because she is amazing.
I fully expect this book to feature in my best books of the year, not least because it references the best band in the world. The Mighy Cranberries.
Graphic: Suicide, Child abuse, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, and Cultural appropriation
Minor: Religious bigotry and Classism
carmina_r's review against another edition
5.0
Graphic: Misogyny and Child abuse
narrnaul's review against another edition
4.75
Graphic: Physical abuse, Misogyny, Child abuse, Mental illness, Emotional abuse, and Sexual assault
amy_park's review against another edition
5.0
I would definetly recommend to read via audiobook as you hear the authors words driectly from her which enhances the listening experience with her emotion and poetic voice.
Graphic: Child abuse and Self harm
Moderate: Racism