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A review by sunnyscholar
Babel by R.F. Kuang
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
I don't think I'll ever forget this book. What started as a soothing "slice of life" among unlikely friends evolved into painfully honest acknowledgement of the inherent differences that threaten to tear them apart. I can not do the story justice by trying to eloquate how it continues to resonate with me now.
R.F. Kuang is an artist in portraying the humanity of each of her characters. In my years of reading, I'd developed a habit of blindly accepting the perspective in which the story was delivered - excusing character flaws and mistakes for the sake of the plot. Kuang doesn't give the reader the opportunity to take anything at face value. She challenges you to grapple with the harsh consequences and moral debate that follows even the smallest decisions her characters make. I love her for it.
This is no mere story - but a lesson in learning to see people. An exercise in setting aside one's innate biases to appreciate other walks of life they previously felt no right to consider a connection to.
"Language was just difference. A thousand different ways of seeing, of moving through the world. No; a thousand worlds in one. And translation - a necessary endeavor, however futile, to move between them."
R.F. Kuang is an artist in portraying the humanity of each of her characters. In my years of reading, I'd developed a habit of blindly accepting the perspective in which the story was delivered - excusing character flaws and mistakes for the sake of the plot. Kuang doesn't give the reader the opportunity to take anything at face value. She challenges you to grapple with the harsh consequences and moral debate that follows even the smallest decisions her characters make. I love her for it.
This is no mere story - but a lesson in learning to see people. An exercise in setting aside one's innate biases to appreciate other walks of life they previously felt no right to consider a connection to.
"Language was just difference. A thousand different ways of seeing, of moving through the world. No; a thousand worlds in one. And translation - a necessary endeavor, however futile, to move between them."
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Torture, Violence, Murder, Colonisation, and Classism
Minor: Racism, Suicidal thoughts, and Forced institutionalization