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A review by aforestofbooks
Babel by R.F. Kuang
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I requested this ARC and then immediately got scared and tried to put off reading it because I was worried I would have no idea what was going on and it would be "too intellectual" for me (all based off a few tweets by the author). But boy was I wrong. If any of you are hesitant about picking this book up, don't be! The prose flows so well and is very quick and easy to read. I thought I would be very confused with all the translation aspects of this book, but it was actually very interesting and highlighted how much research went into writing this story. The book draws you in immediately, and the stakes keep getting higher and higher...If I didn't have to study, I probably would have finished this in a week, but it definitely kept me hooked and wanting to come back for more.
The one thing I will say is, the reading experience as an ebook is a little annoying with the footnotes. So, if I were to read this book again, I would definitely buy a physical copy because it just makes it easier and you don't have to go back and forth between the footnote and where you left off.
This book is a literary masterpiece. It's unique and groundbreaking in the way it critiques imperialism and colonialism. I loved every aspect of it. And my main regret is not highlighting quotes because there are just some very good, iconic quotes that I still can't stop thinking about.
As someone who is brown, an immigrant, and a minority, this book spoke to me in ways that someone who is white won't exactly understand. And what I find ironic about this is that, this exact sentiment is something that is very clearly portrayed in the book with Letty and the other white professors and students. White people don't get it. They can never completely understand the horrors of colonialism, the exploitation or resources and labour, the imperialism and racism. It was refreshing to see this book state the truth without hiding behind words. That the only reason white people will care about an issue is if it is twisted in a way for them to care. An issue that affects them too, will be an issue that is worth fighting for. It honestly describes so many issues going on in our world right now, and I think that's why this book really hit me hard.
You're going to be frustrated and annoyed reading this book. Especially as you watch Robin, Ramy, and Victoire try to explain to everyone why they're fighting and what they're fighting for. And yet very few people seem to get it. It feels like speaking to a wall, which is such a mood.
This book also focuses a lot on violence and how revolution and resistance is inherently violent as it is the only way to break the system and cause change. I was a bit uncomfortable at first, especially because Griffin scares me lol, but it's true and a fact that a lot of people still don't seem to understand. We can't just change things using sweet words and pleasantries. This again is something discussed in this book, and while it is hard to read at times because it really sucks having to sacrifice everything just for the smallest of hopes that maybe someone will listen and care and stand up for the cause and change things, it was also very validating.
I don't know what else to say without getting into spoilers, but I am so glad I picked this up, especially now. It was worth the time it took to read, and I honestly would read it again to take more careful note of the commentary and highlight quotes.
5/5 stars
The one thing I will say is, the reading experience as an ebook is a little annoying with the footnotes. So, if I were to read this book again, I would definitely buy a physical copy because it just makes it easier and you don't have to go back and forth between the footnote and where you left off.
This book is a literary masterpiece. It's unique and groundbreaking in the way it critiques imperialism and colonialism. I loved every aspect of it. And my main regret is not highlighting quotes because there are just some very good, iconic quotes that I still can't stop thinking about.
As someone who is brown, an immigrant, and a minority, this book spoke to me in ways that someone who is white won't exactly understand. And what I find ironic about this is that, this exact sentiment is something that is very clearly portrayed in the book with Letty and the other white professors and students. White people don't get it. They can never completely understand the horrors of colonialism, the exploitation or resources and labour, the imperialism and racism. It was refreshing to see this book state the truth without hiding behind words. That the only reason white people will care about an issue is if it is twisted in a way for them to care. An issue that affects them too, will be an issue that is worth fighting for. It honestly describes so many issues going on in our world right now, and I think that's why this book really hit me hard.
You're going to be frustrated and annoyed reading this book. Especially as you watch Robin, Ramy, and Victoire try to explain to everyone why they're fighting and what they're fighting for. And yet very few people seem to get it. It feels like speaking to a wall, which is such a mood.
This book also focuses a lot on violence and how revolution and resistance is inherently violent as it is the only way to break the system and cause change. I was a bit uncomfortable at first, especially because Griffin scares me lol, but it's true and a fact that a lot of people still don't seem to understand. We can't just change things using sweet words and pleasantries. This again is something discussed in this book, and while it is hard to read at times because it really sucks having to sacrifice everything just for the smallest of hopes that maybe someone will listen and care and stand up for the cause and change things, it was also very validating.
I don't know what else to say without getting into spoilers, but I am so glad I picked this up, especially now. It was worth the time it took to read, and I honestly would read it again to take more careful note of the commentary and highlight quotes.
5/5 stars