Saga Boy
My Life of Blackness and Becoming
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Saga Boy
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Narrated by:
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Antonio Michael Downing
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Written by:
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Antonio Michael Downing
About this listen
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 CanadaWhat the critics say
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)
What listeners say about Saga Boy
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 2021-03-14
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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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Jenna Pape
- 2021-01-25
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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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 2021-04-26
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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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Alla
- 2022-07-02
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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- Lola
- 2022-09-25
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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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Christine Neary
- 2021-01-28
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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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 2021-02-08
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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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Snehit Kurup
- 2021-08-02
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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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Rajesh R.
- 2021-11-23
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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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Kezia
- 2021-02-25
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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