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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
shainabriley's review against another edition
4.75
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Violence, and Child abuse
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
marusya_8's review against another edition
4.5
Moderate: Violence
intensej's review against another edition
5.0
"Beyond the hazy light of the veiled world lives this moment of my life diverging--I went one way, and the other girl, the girl I never became, went the other, with all her mysterious possibilities, all her unknown and possible worlds" (p. 122).
Content: graphic descriptions of suicide, violence
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts and Violence
Minor: Sexual assault
lcg527's review against another edition
5.0
Graphic: Violence, Emotional abuse, Drug use, Suicidal thoughts, Racism, and Body shaming
darcygabe's review against another edition
5.0
Graphic: Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Child abuse, Racism, and Self harm
Moderate: Animal death, Domestic abuse, Abortion, Bullying, Classism, and Colonisation
emelynreads's review against another edition
4.5
Graphic: Child abuse, Violence, Sexism, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Adult/minor relationship