Thank you to TLC Book Tours & Simon & Schuster for the gifted ARC

Detailing her childhood growing up in a rigid Rastafarian household ruled by her father's strict patriarchal views, Sinclair writes about her journey to finding her own voice as a woman and poet in this intimate and profound memoir.

But more than a memoir, BABYLON is a journey through the corridors of family, faith, and the complexities of identity. This book has quickly become one of my favorite memoirs of the year, offering a deeply personal and emotionally charged narrative that resonates with readers on various levels.

Through her narrative, Sinclair delves into the history of Rastafarianism, shedding light on the government's persecution of the religion. The systemic targeting of Rastas created a decentralized and contained practice, where each family could vary widely in their interpretation of the faith. This insight provides the backdrop of Sinclair's upbringing and how Rasta, which started as a movement to reclaim Black power & unite Black people, became another shackle for Black girls and women due to the undertone of misogyny.

While the narrative takes a dark turn at times, delving into graphic accounts of child abuse and suicidal thoughts, Sinclair writes about her father with tenderness and compassion. Amidst these painful moments, the theme of forgiveness shines through, reminding the readers of the resilience of the human spirit and the life-saving effects of one's love for literature.

As I read, I often found myself holding my breath, waiting for the other shoe to drop. The tension and emotional weight of the narrative kept me engrossed until the very end. The last 50 pages, in particular, become a poignant cry fest, and readers should prepare themselves emotionally and keep tissues & water handy. I was definitely dehydrated from crying after reading BABYLON