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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
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
courtknoc's review against another edition
5.0
Graphic: Violence, Domestic abuse, Child abuse, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Pregnancy and Racism
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
hellolucireads's review against another edition
It was engaging but I just got tired of reading it, to be honest. Maybe because it was challenging and upsetting for me.
I read a summary of how everything turned out at the end - just to see if there was a light at the end of it!
I didn’t know about Rastafarian culture before, and learned so much from her lens. I’d still recommend it even though I didn’t finish!
Graphic: Child abuse, Misogyny, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Self harm
i_likedbooksbest's review against another edition
5.0
Graphic: Toxic relationship and Suicidal thoughts
loveclairebearx's review against another edition
5.0
Graphic: Religious bigotry, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Sexual assault
asiadb's review against another edition
4.5
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Drug use, Suicidal thoughts, Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, Misogyny, Child abuse, Classism, and Self harm
corinth113's review against another edition
5.0
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Child abuse, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Bullying and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Self harm, Infertility, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Drug use, and Sexual assault