A review by theelliad
Babel by R.F. Kuang

4.5

Wow. Where do I begin. This one is dancing around the 4.5/5* mark for me but I will not give in and use the .75 button so while I process my thoughts it can stay as this. This book is such an elegant and powerful exploration of colonialism, industry, education, discrimination, friendship, betrayal, war and politics- huge themes that are addressed in such a though provoking way. The lines between what is right and what is wrong, and who is the villain vs the hero are become so blurred you find yourself rooting for everyone and no one simultaneously. Of course there is a right group to support, yet this revolution is handled so eloquently, and the characters made so real that their own moral corruption drives them mad, that supporting all their choices becomes impossible. Similarly, those in power are made so perfectly manipulative that at points you too are convinced of the British empires morality?! Kuang somehow simultaneously portrays one of the most incredible forms of world building, while also situating this book so far into the tangiable; a magic system so fascinating and yet so plausible. I want words from this book imprinted upon my heart, and to write essays on its meaning and impact. The only thing that makes giving this 5* hesitant, is how long this took me to read (entirely my own fault) and thus details went amiss and the experience was partially ruined.