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A review by broomgrass
Babel-17 by Samuel R. Delany
challenging
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Adventure! but still with more emotional resonance than typical SF fare, especially of that time period. The most compelling moments for me was when Rydra would help someone out with a problem - I'm thinking in particular of how she helps Ron figure out the triple's dynamic.
The genetic and aesthetic modifications are hilariously over the top, there's a character called "The Butcher," they're fighting in a space war, and the book uses the out-of-date but still fascinating concept of the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis of language shaping thought as a central conceit. It's certainly dated in some ways - references to Oriental good looks, fatphobia, etc, and often used in rather shallow ways - but overall, a great book.
My one regret is reading a digital copy, since I missed how the representation of the Babel-17 and Rydra's thinking parallel in the language is rendered on the page. I highly recommend finding an old paperback if possible!
The genetic and aesthetic modifications are hilariously over the top, there's a character called "The Butcher," they're fighting in a space war, and the book uses the out-of-date but still fascinating concept of the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis of language shaping thought as a central conceit. It's certainly dated in some ways - references to Oriental good looks, fatphobia, etc, and often used in rather shallow ways - but overall, a great book.
My one regret is reading a digital copy, since I missed how the representation of the Babel-17 and Rydra's thinking parallel in the language is rendered on the page. I highly recommend finding an old paperback if possible!