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Saga Boy

My Life of Blackness and Becoming

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Saga Boy

Auteur(s): Antonio Michael Downing
Narrateur(s): Antonio Michael Downing
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À propos de cet audio

2021 Legislative Assembly of Ontario Speaker's Book Award

2021 Toronto Book Award

The triumph of Saga Boy is the triumph of Blackness everywhere - the irrepressible instinct for survival in a world where Blacks are prey." (Ian Williams, Giller Prize-winning author of Reproduction)

An enthralling, deeply personal account of a young immigrant's search for belonging and Black identity amid the long-lasting effects of cultural dislocation.

Antonio Michael Downing's memoir of creativity and transformation is a startling mash-up of memories and mythology, told in gripping, lyrical prose. Raised by his indomitable grandmother in the lush rainforest of southern Trinidad, Downing, at age 11, is uprooted to Canada when she dies. But to a very unusual part of Canada: he and his older brother are sent to live with his stern, evangelical Aunt Joan, in Wabigoon, a tiny northern Ontario community where they are the only Black children in the town. In this wilderness, he begins his journey as an immigrant minority, using music and performance to dramatically transform himself. At the heart of his odyssey is the longing for a home. He is re-united with his birth parents who he has known only through stories. But this proves disappointing: Al is a womanizing con man and drug addict, and Gloria, twice abandoned by Al, seems to regard her sons as cash machines.

He tries to flee his messy family life by transforming into a series of extravagant musical personalities: "Mic Dainjah", a punk rock rapper, "Molasses", a soul music crooner and finally "John Orpheus", a gold chained, sequin- and leather-clad pop star. Yet, like his father and grandfather, he has become a "Saga Boy", a Trinidadian playboy, addicted to escapism, attention, and sex. When the inevitable crash happens, he finds himself in a cold, stone jail cell. He has become everything he was trying to escape and must finally face himself.

Richly evocative, Saga Boy is a heart-wrenching but uplifting story of a lonely immigrant boy who overcomes adversity and abandonment to reclaim his Black identity and embrace a rich heritage.

©2020 Antonio Michael Downing (P)2020 Penguin Random House Canada
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Ce que les critiques en disent

Shortlisted for the 2021 Speaker's Book Award

One of:

CBC's "Best Canadian Nonfiction of 2021"

Bustle's "The Most Anticipated Books of September 2021"

“[A] deeply moving memoir...[and] lyrical story.... Suffused with poetic prose that jumps off the page, this inspiring account sings.” (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

“Downing’s heart-wrenching memoir chronicles his saga of trying on and casting off many masks, learning the dimensions of the face through which he sees the world and the world sees him.” (BookPage)

“Compelling...Saga Boy is an eloquent memoir about Antonio Michael Downing's experiences as an immigrant in a minority population; it centers his resilience." (Foreword Reviews, starred review)

Ce que les auditeurs disent de Saga Boy

Moyenne des évaluations de clients
Au global
  • 5 out of 5 stars
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    5
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Performance
  • 5 out of 5 stars
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Histoire
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 étoiles
    42
  • 4 étoiles
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  • Au global
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Histoire
    5 out of 5 stars

Entertaining and heartfelt

This book was a wonderful tale of growth, survival and forgiveness. I highly recommend the audio version, as the author reads it himself, complete with sweet Trinny accents and singing.

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1 personne a trouvé cela utile

  • Au global
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Histoire
    5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic

This memoir is so poetic, engaging and raw. Mr. Downing’s performance is something not to miss. Will recommend to everyone. Well done!

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  • Au global
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Histoire
    5 out of 5 stars

What a ride!

His story is an incredible rollercoaster ride. It really explores the depths of the trauma often faced by Caribbean immigrants and their children in North America. The cycle of trauma post-slavery and the fight out of it in a really humorous and soul-captivating way. I highly recommend it.

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  • Au global
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Histoire
    5 out of 5 stars

Couldn’t put it down!

I inhaled this book! So deep, beautiful, heart breaking and inspiring! And beautiful narration to boot! I simply loved it!

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  • Au global
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Histoire
    5 out of 5 stars

Loved this audiobook!

Loved it, loved it, loved it! The vulnerability and the resilience. Evokes many emotions , but totally worth it. The narration was a lot of fun, made it a really enjoyable audio book.

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  • Au global
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Histoire
    5 out of 5 stars

Beautifully told story of growth

This heart wrenching, powerful story of a broken home, read so beautifully by the author himself, seems impossible and exhausting. It explains the power of knowing oneself and benefits of therapy. Well done

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  • Au global
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Histoire
    5 out of 5 stars

An important story we all need to hear

Brilliant. Poetic. Tragic. Captivating performance & perspective. Amazing work from an amazing man. #goatlife

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  • Au global
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Histoire
    5 out of 5 stars

Engaging, Exciting & Brilliant.

The book is narrated by the author himself which enables us to connect with the story on a different level. He takes you on a journey that's filled with emotion, love, betrayal, laughter and so much more.
A must read.

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  • Au global
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Histoire
    5 out of 5 stars

Playin saga boy to hide the anxiety.

As a Trinidadian born immigrant, I could relate to so many parts of his story, down to the country boy living with his grandmother and passing for Presentation College. I left when Machel came in. It reminded me that no matter how long I've lived away, the island beats within, can't separate the Trini from the Canadian, more correctly, Torontonian. Maybe the future we seek is really the past we mourn. Excellent!

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  • Au global
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Loved every minute of this book.

I loved listening to every minute of this book. Hearing the authors voice made it feel like a personal conversation. I was singing along to the hymns as he sang, cried and laughed all throughout. Great coming of age story that will not disappoint.

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