Reviews

Babel: An Arcane History by R.F. Kuang

prettyphantastic's review against another edition

dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

lena_ruit's review against another edition

adventurous challenging informative reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

meurk's review against another edition

dark informative mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

legsbian's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

happywedge's review against another edition

5.0

Great characters! Insights about capitalism, racism, sexism, etc. 4?

merleperleee's review against another edition

dark sad tense slow-paced

• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

damn

laurakershaw's review against another edition

3.0

This book has me conflicted. I loved the clear workmanship Kuang put into the understanding of translation and language and I found myself learning a lot and thinking more on the philosophy of language (which was cool since I’ve been reading more translated texts recently). I also think it brings up good points about imperialism, colonialism, and exploitation. However, I think the pacing was off. It was about 100 pages too long to make the same points and needed more of an editors keen eye (especially with the ending). For parts of it I was absolutely rapt and other parts I wasn’t interested at all which isn’t typical when I’m reading.

It’s really more 3.5/5 but I can’t in good conscience upgrade it because it just feels too clunky to be up there with other four star books.

cocovert's review against another edition

challenging dark informative reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

z_mxyaa's review against another edition

5.0

Incredible.

charlie678's review against another edition

dark emotional informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

ow that ending 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Blood, Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, Racism, and Colonisation

Moderate: Racial slurs, Death of parent, Violence, and Child abuse

Minor: Torture and Gun violence