A review by sweetearlgrey
Babel by R.F. Kuang

informative slow-paced

3.0

Babel is a literary foray into the complex topics of colonialism, racism, and the dynamics of power. R.F. Kuang’s narrative ambition is evident, as she attempts to encapsulate the vastness of these themes through allegorical storytelling. However, as the plot progresses, the allegory becomes increasingly explicit, leaving little room for interpretative subtlety.

The portrayal of colonialism is both a strength and a weakness of the book. It’s presented as an omnipresent force, shaping every aspect of the characters’ lives. This approach effectively highlights the pervasive nature of colonialism but also risks rendering the characters one-dimensional, as their actions and relationships seem solely driven by this central theme. I personally prefer characters who embody the complexities of real people. It felt like I was reading the author's message personified, rather than fully fleshed-out characters. 

Despite my reservations about the use of allegory and character development, I recognize the book’s literary value and Kuang’s creativity/knowledge about a variety of topics. The footnotes on translation were particularly interesting, but I would prefer to have them fleshed out in a non-fiction book. This book is certainly someone's cup of tea but, unfortunately, it's not mine.