Safiya Sinclair's How to Say Babylon has been widely praised for its lyrical prose and profound exploration of identity and familial ties. Reviewers commend Sinclair's evocative storytelling and rich cultural insights, though some find its narrative pacing uneven. Overall, the memoir's emotional depth and poetic voice resonate strongly with readers.

Readers who relish the lyrical prose and cultural exploration of Jeanette Winterson's Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal? or the vivid, poignant storytelling of Edwidge Danticat's Breath, Eyes, Memory will be captivated by Safiya Sinclair's How to Say Babylon, which delves into themes of identity, resilience, and self-discovery against a rich Jamaican backdrop.

<published in 2023, How to Say Babylon by Safiya Sinclair is a memoir that recounts her strict Rastafari upbringing in Jamaica and her journey to find freedom through writing. The story covers her family's dynamics, her struggles at private school, and her eventual escape from her father's oppressive control, achieving liberation through poetry and education. The book includes descriptions of child sexual abuse, child abuse, physical abuse, suicide and suicidal ideation, racism, misogyny, intimate partner violence, and grooming and predatory behavior.

Mysterious / Contemplative / Emotional / Challenging / Inspirational

- *How to Say Babylon* by Safiya Sinclair is a memoir that explores themes of identity, poetry, and family within the context of Rastafari culture.
- Safiya Sinclair, a celebrated poet, draws from her own experiences growing up in Jamaica and the impact of her artistic journey, enriching the narrative with lyrical prose.
- The book delves into Sinclair's relationship with her strict Rastafarian father and her quest for self-expression and freedom through literature and poetry.

**Safiya Sinclair**  
The oldest child of Esther and Howard, Safiya grows up in a household rigidly governed by her father's strict beliefs. She becomes a talented poet and models, using her achievements to pursue a new life abroad.

**Esther Norman**  
Safiya's mother, who is nurturing and maternal, raises her children in a challenging environment. Known for her skills in education, she supports her children’s development despite the household's constraints.

**Howard Sinclair**  
Safiya's father, a devout Rasta who enforces strict rules on his family based on his interpretation of the religion. He struggles with issues from his own past and is an influential yet challenging figure in Safiya's life.

**Lij Sinclair**  
The only son of Howard and Esther, Lij is a supportive brother, known for his academic prowess and protective nature. He remains in Jamaica as an adult, keeping a more lenient approach to his father's beliefs.

**Ife Sinclair**  
Safiya's younger sister, born during a hurricane, who focuses on her education to gain independence. She is the first of the Sinclair children to attend school in the United States.

**Shari Sinclair**  
The youngest Sinclair sibling, closely bonded with Safiya. Shielded under her family's protection, she faces significant family dynamics changes once left alone with Howard.

**The Old Poet**  
The poetry editor who mentors Safiya and helps launch her poetry career. Although he initially supports her talent, their relationship becomes fraught with challenges and complexity.

Safiya Sinclair

Adult

Autobiography / Memoir

Nonfiction

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Part 1: “Budgerigar”

Prologue-Part 1

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Part 2: “Medusa”

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Part 3: “Lionheart”

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Part 4: “Mermaid”

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How to Say Babylon: A Memoir

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