Saga boy : my life of Blackness and becoming

SHORTLISTED for the 2021 Speaker's Book Award LONGLISTED for the 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. "An enthralling, deeply personal examination of the search for a home and the long-lasting effects of colonialism. "The Queen designed my brain. Everyone I knew as a child was born in a time when Trinidad was her property. With no right to vote or make their own laws, they were all perfect British subjects in training. This meant Anglican hymns, little schoolboy uniforms and the single greatest sanitizer of our savagery--the King James Bible" This is how Antonio Michael Downing starts his arresting memoir of creativity and transformation, Becoming John Orpheus. Raised by his indomitable grandmother in a hot, verdant Trinidad, Antonio at age 11 is uprooted to Canada when she dies. But not urban Toronto: he and his older brother are sent to live with his stern evangelical Aunt Joan, in Waubigoon, a mostly Indigenous community in northern Ontario. In this wilderness, he begins his journey as an immigrant minority, using music and performance to dramatically transform himself. The book is a startling mash-up of memories, lyrics and mythology told in gripping, lyrical prose. His saga takes him to New York, where he discovers soul and hip-hop, to Toronto, where he performs with such musicians as Danny Michel, to Manchester, where he will begin his European musical tours with Liam Gallagher of Oasis. He and his artistic collaborator Gada Jane create the gold-chain laden, sequin and leather clad rock star "John Orpheus." While abroad, Downing receives word that a fire has destroyed his Toronto home and belongings. He feels liberated, free to create his new self. Richly evocative, Saga Boy is a heart wrenching but uplifting story of a lonely immigrant boy who overcomes adversity, trauma, and abandonment through music, performance, and writing."-- Provided by publisher