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alysereadsbooks 's review for:
Babel
by R.F. Kuang
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
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
One of the most thought-provoking novels I've ever read. This book is big on Booktok and for good reason. I'm not usually a huge fan of historical fiction, but the way Kwang blends colonialism, magic, and language, kept me compelled. It is pretty dense and I think it deserves a second read. I listened to it on audiobook which I enjoyed, but I'd probably get more out of it if I read a physical copy. Never read anything quite like this one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Racism, Xenophobia, Death of parent, Colonisation
Moderate: Gun violence, Hate crime, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Grief, Cultural appropriation, War, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Slavery, Pandemic/Epidemic