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4.34 AVERAGE
4.34 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
inspiring
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
informative
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really wanted to love Babel as much as I loved the Poppy War trilogy. This book was a lot of telling and not showing which is not effective form of story telling for me. I was also intrigued by the magic system but wished it had more of an impact on the plot.
Kuang had the correct beats to this story but it didn’t feel fully fleshed out to me. I really wanted to love Robin and the gang but ultimately felt little for them. Some of decisions felt like they came out of nowhere despite spending almost 600 pages with these characters. This book might find a better audience with those who are still learning about British imperialism and colonialism a bit more.
I hope I enjoy Yellowface a bit more as it’s already in my physical tbr.
Kuang had the correct beats to this story but it didn’t feel fully fleshed out to me. I really wanted to love Robin and the gang but ultimately felt little for them. Some of decisions felt like they came out of nowhere despite spending almost 600 pages with these characters. This book might find a better audience with those who are still learning about British imperialism and colonialism a bit more.
I hope I enjoy Yellowface a bit more as it’s already in my physical tbr.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
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
adventurous
dark
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
adventurous
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-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
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Bullying, Racial slurs, Racism, Slavery, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Colonisation, War, Classism
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
dark
emotional
medium-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:
No
It's hard to come up with words to adequately describe how this book makes you feel, but it nothing short of amazing. R.F. Kuang sends you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions throughout Robin's journey. The exploration of language and the role it played in British imperialism was engaging, as was the use of a unique magical system. It provided an easy gateway to explore the deeper topics of racism and theft of culture perpetuated by the British Empire.
The inclusion of citations, which provide additional context deeply enriches the story. Babel is deeply thought provoking, and has left me thinking about it for long after I have finished reading.
The inclusion of citations, which provide additional context deeply enriches the story. Babel is deeply thought provoking, and has left me thinking about it for long after I have finished reading.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, Xenophobia, Murder, Colonisation
Moderate: Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Injury/Injury detail