A review by lizshayne
Babel by R.F. Kuang

challenging dark sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I knew when I was reading it that it was going to hurt and that I was going to be recommending it with "okay, but like read this when you're feeling stable because otherwise it will rend your apart" kind of rec.

Sometimes it's nice to be right.

I could talk about and analyze every part of this book - the translation theory, the way it thinks about colonialism and empire, the beautiful and brutal indictment of the academy, friendship - or I could throw my hands up and say "it hurt and it was worth it".