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4.34 AVERAGE
4.34 AVERAGE
Others have expounded about the pitfalls of this book far better than I can, but I have to reiterate that I cannot move past how Kuang decided that her readers have no critical thinking capabilities, or the ability to read into a text and form their own thoughts.
There is no complexity, no nuance, and no chances for the characters to make their own choices, or for Robin to reach his own conclusions. They are simply stand ins for Kuang to endlessly tell us that colonialism is bad, that racism is bad. And then do the same thing in the footnotes.
It is also incredible that in 1830s Victorian England, the characters spoke to each other in tumblr-twitter speak. I fully expected the characters to start speaking about intersectionality and social justice to each other. Astounding.
2.5 begrudging stars for the last few chapters.
There is no complexity, no nuance, and no chances for the characters to make their own choices, or for Robin to reach his own conclusions. They are simply stand ins for Kuang to endlessly tell us that colonialism is bad, that racism is bad. And then do the same thing in the footnotes.
It is also incredible that in 1830s Victorian England, the characters spoke to each other in tumblr-twitter speak. I fully expected the characters to start speaking about intersectionality and social justice to each other. Astounding.
2.5 begrudging stars for the last few chapters.
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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
challenging
medium-paced
slow-paced
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
RF Kuang is a bit too on the nose in her books. That's my biggest gripe with Babel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Physical abuse, Suicide, Murder
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is one of the best books I have ever read. The concepts of colonization, capitalism, exploitation, deep meaningful friendships, and the internal battles faced by POC wrapped up in an incredible tale. 100/10!
dark
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated