I grew up during the height of Reggae's popularity in the U.S., so I was as convinced as anyone that Rastafarianism celebrated a chill lifestyle basedI grew up during the height of Reggae's popularity in the U.S., so I was as convinced as anyone that Rastafarianism celebrated a chill lifestyle based on positive vibes. I did a research paper on Rastafarianism in college for my religions of the African diaspora class, but my main takeaway was that the movement served as a sanctuary from the bleak economic outlook for black men in Jamaica.
Because of these preconceptions, Sinclair's beautifully written memoir came as a shock. She outlines her father's extreme misogyny, as well as his physical and emotional abuse, and she locates the roots of that abuse firmly in Rastafarianism. By her accounting, Bob Marley's "Don't Worry, Be Happy" mantra applies to no one in the movement, and most especially not to Rastafarian women, who must empty themselves out to serve the male Godhead. Those men, in turn, see women as unclean and unworthy of anything beyond producing and raising Rasta babies. Sinclair's own father has little concern for her development as an individual, but rather is hyper focused on making sure she doesn't get pregnant in high school.
Sinclair and her siblings, however, are exceptional and feel crushed by (and rebel against) the violent restrictions of their father's household. Their mother, also, is both endlessly nurturing and suppressing a vibrant spirit that is unacceptable in the Rastafarian worldview. Sinclair ultimately discovers the power of poetry for both expression and social (and literal) mobility.
This is a powerful and even spellbinding memoir. I was completely gripped by Sinclair's voice....more
As many have said, this is a tough book, but it's also a compelling read about a terrible, but rarely explored, aspect of US history. It's so well wriAs many have said, this is a tough book, but it's also a compelling read about a terrible, but rarely explored, aspect of US history. It's so well written that I found myself completely caught up in Pheby's story - both its trauma and fierce love. I was even more interested to discover that it's based on a real woman who not only had to endure the horrors of a jail, torture chamber, and auction house for enslaved people, but was forced to be the concubine of the jailer. This is a horrific story, but I'm glad that I read it and that Johnson has brought this aspect of slavery to light.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review....more
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