Publication Date: Oct 2023

Synopsis:

Throughout her childhood, Safiya Sinclair’s father, a volatile reggae musician and militant adherent to a strict sect of Rastafari, became obsessed with her purity, in particular, with the threat of what Rastas call Babylon, the immoral and corrupting influences of the Western world outside their home. He worried that womanhood would make Safiya and her sisters morally weak and impure, and believed a woman’s highest virtue was her obedience.

In an effort to keep Babylon outside the gate, he forbade almost everything. In place of pants, the women in her family were made to wear long skirts and dresses to cover their arms and legs, head wraps to cover their hair, no make-up, no jewelry, no opinions, no friends. Safiya’s mother, while loyal to her father, nonetheless gave Safiya and her siblings the gift of books, including poetry, to which Safiya latched on for dear life. And as Safiya watched her mother struggle voicelessly for years under housework and the rigidity of her father’s beliefs, she increasingly used her education as a sharp tool with which to find her voice and break free. Inevitably, with her rebellion comes clashes with her father, whose rage and paranoia explodes in increasing violence. As Safiya’s voice grows, lyrically and poetically, a collision course is set between them.

---

What To Expect:

In this book, Safiya Sinclair tells the story of her life, starting from being raised in a cult in Jamaica, abused by her father, stifled in her personality to choosing to leave and find freedom for herself and her family members.

---

Content Warnings:

Language: None

Sexual Content: While a teen and adult, Safiya is touched/kissed inappropriately by a mentor.

Violence: Moderate – Domestic and verbal abuse. Beatings on women

Substance Use: Moderate – Marijuana use

Prejudices: Moderate to Heavy – Sexism & racism

Religious Themes: A few mentions of various religions and topics, including Rastafarian.

Other Topics: Polygamy

---

Please keep in mind that some things may be missed in content warning reviews and this is meant to be a general overview without spoilers. Use your own discretion with the information provided to make the right choice for you! View our guideline here.