ALT November Read: “How to say Babylon: a Jamaican memoir” by Safiya Sinclair

ALT About the author: Safiya Sinclair is an multi-award-winning poet and author born and raised in Montego Bay, Jamaica. With a mother that had a love for teaching, Sinclair moved to the US and pursued educational accolades including a PhD in literature and creative writing. Sinclair’s writing has been renowned in various esteemed publications. She is currently an Associate Professor of Creative Writing at Arizona State University.

ALT About the book: “How To Say Babylon” is a memoir documenting the upbringing of Safiya Sinclair under the uncompromising Rastafarian leadership of her father. With dashes of poetry, history and perspectives from various family members, this thoughtful and forgiving book reads as an expressive novel. Whilst navigating her purity and a patriarchal dictatorship, Sinclair shares her journey of self-discovery, reflection, education, heartache, and empowerment.

ALT Book club timeline: 7th November - Gold/Silver Members should receive their book in the post 11th November - Members-only Coffee Morning & Book Swap | 10.30am GMT 1st December - Online link-up with Safiya Sinclair, open to all | 7-8pm GMT 1st December - Members-only virtual meeting to discuss book | 8-9pm GMT