Saturday 30 November 1400 - 1600

Come along to Quay Words’ first Book Club! Hosted by Autumn writer-in-residence Fathima Zahra, we’ll be discussing Safiya Sinclair’s memoir: How to Say Babylon.

Shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction 2024, How to Say Babylon is a compelling, lyrical memoir about family, education and resilience. Born in Montego Bay, Jamaica; Safiya grew up under her Rastafari father’s militant rule and was introduced to books and her love for learning through her mother. The memoir follows Safiya and her siblings as they grow to find themselves outside of the patriarchal rules and traditions of their childhood. It is ultimately a story of a young woman’s determination to live life on her own terms.

Feel free to note down paragraphs, themes or any questions that stick out to you in the reading. It’ll be a relaxed discussion and we look forward to discussing the book.

The Book Club will take place in historic rooms on the first floor of the building. There is step-free entry to the ground floor and a lift connects the ground and first floors. If you have particular access requirements please phone or email the Custom House Visitor Centre in advance of your visit.

There are five free disabled parking spaces for registered Blue Badge holders next to the Exeter Antiques Centre immediately in front of the Custom House. Maximum stay is three hours.

Please email Quay Words on quaywords@literatureworks.org.uk with any accessibility enquiries.
We can accommodate free tickets for carers or personal assistants if needed – just email us after booking to let us know.