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A review by 2treads
Babel by R.F. Kuang
challenging
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
I can see why some ppl don't like this novel, but to decry the truth of what Kuang writes here is disingenuous and delusional.
Now the characters could have been developed more and the laser focus on just England as a colonial force and power may have been short-sighted or she could have deliberately chosen to do that, and it could have been shorter with a tighter plot, but the fact remains, that this is a book based on Empire and Empire exists for Empire and has loyalty only to Empire, and will do whatever it takes to make Empire endure.
Now the characters could have been developed more and the laser focus on just England as a colonial force and power may have been short-sighted or she could have deliberately chosen to do that, and it could have been shorter with a tighter plot, but the fact remains, that this is a book based on Empire and Empire exists for Empire and has loyalty only to Empire, and will do whatever it takes to make Empire endure.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Racism, Violence
Minor: Death, Racial slurs, Slavery, Xenophobia, Death of parent, War