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A review by indigo_ewenicorn
Babel by R.F. Kuang
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
slow-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? It's complicated
5.0
Babel is a thought provoking historical fantasy set at Oxford in the 1830's.
We follow the story of a Chinese born boy names Robin Swift, who by his guardian is raised to become a scholar at the Oxford Language Institute to learn how to create the magical silver bars of this world.
Through the eyes of Robin we experience what it is like to live in England during this time having been foreign born. The conflict of having the privlege of being raised in comfort and getting a free education in exchange for giving up your values and ignoring the injustices created by colonization.
Babel grants us a riveting story with a view into complex historic times.
I greatly enjoyed reading about the history and origin of words and languages. i find the study of etymology and linguistics fascinating. I did sometimes struggle with main text vs. subtitle reading (brain gets distracted).
I love this book!
The ending doesn't wrap up the story fully and the things that do get wrapped up I wish had ended differently. However, I think that was intentionally to keep the reader thinking.
We follow the story of a Chinese born boy names Robin Swift, who by his guardian is raised to become a scholar at the Oxford Language Institute to learn how to create the magical silver bars of this world.
Through the eyes of Robin we experience what it is like to live in England during this time having been foreign born. The conflict of having the privlege of being raised in comfort and getting a free education in exchange for giving up your values and ignoring the injustices created by colonization.
Babel grants us a riveting story with a view into complex historic times.
I greatly enjoyed reading about the history and origin of words and languages. i find the study of etymology and linguistics fascinating. I did sometimes struggle with main text vs. subtitle reading (brain gets distracted).
I love this book!
The ending doesn't wrap up the story fully and the things that do get wrapped up I wish had ended differently. However, I think that was intentionally to keep the reader thinking.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Slavery, Death of parent, Colonisation, and War