A review by annabella
Babel: An Arcane History by R.F. Kuang

adventurous challenging dark inspiring sad tense medium-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

5.0

I got chills! This is a long book but I haven’t felt so on tenterhooks and wanting to know what happens in such a long time when reading. It’s such an in depth exploration of colonialism and resistance and privilege. It is complex and has hard hitting moments, and you are brought through the plot by the friendship between the four characters that has been written so strongly. I’ve never thought about translation before in this way. It’s made me think of educational institutions, learning, and you can easily relate it to what is going on today, which is chilling. White people basically stealing, grooming, etc etc people’s talents and languages and cultures for their own benefit, and as a violent act of white supremacy. The five books I thought gave it lots of structure because there is a lot that goes on here. The development of Robin is so interesting, and the loss he and everyone around him experiences feels heartbreaking. This book will make me think for a long time! 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings