Reviews

Interesting insight into the Rastafarian culture, although I wonder if this is a typical experience given that there are three sects. The father seemed to have issues that perhaps weren’t necessarily related to Rasta? Or perhaps exacerbated by Rasta? The mother was interesting, too - a force, truly conflicted between being Rasta and also being sure her children were educated. I was surprised the kids were allowed to go to school, honestly - their mom prepared them well and they excelled. The years after HS were a winding road and the story dragged just a bit through here, but the resolution at the end - I did not see that coming! A book that will stay with me. The inner force of Safiya and her mom and sisters is something to be inspired by. Remarkable women!

mitskacir's review

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4.0

I learned so much about Rastafari from this book, and it was worth the read just to expand my horizons a bit. But it was also a gripping read and very well written - I loved how much joy came through the pages as well as how much pain. Safiya’s mother in particular was an amazing character, her love and goodness so well manifested that her betrayals and weaknesses were so painful to witness. The only reason this isn’t a 5 stars from me is that I think it was longer than it needed to be - some parts were repetitive and only added more evidence to points that were already well articulated and established. It was also overly poetic in places, but alas I struggle so much with prose written by poets, so this is definitely a me problem and probably won’t be an issue for other people.

I also thought a lot about the memoir Educated while reading this book. It would be interesting to read them in conversation with each other.

carollynnw's review against another edition

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slow-paced

Not an easy read but a brave and honest story

marusya_8's review

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adventurous dark emotional inspiring reflective tense medium-paced

4.5

A must-read

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nadia's review against another edition

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emotional reflective medium-paced

4.0

A really good memoir with great writing! I didn't really know much about the origins of the Rastafari religion, so it was interesting to learn more about it in this book, interspersed with Sinclair's journey from a difficult childhood to the poet/writer she is today.

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

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