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A review by agnela
Babel: An Arcane History by R.F. Kuang
challenging
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Somehow this book, with a strong message, such a shocking ending, managed to be disappointing.
The magic system was complex and amazing, with author clearly weaving her knowledge about words, languages and translation in it. But the damn footnotes.... The footnotes..... A sure way to make your reader go crazy.
For me the characters were bland, I guess Ramy was the only one who stood out for a bit because we find out he's not telling the whole truth, but everyone else was paper-thin.
There were good, interesting moments like explanation on how silver bars work, trying to hide the murder, some other parts. But this could have saved us money and some time by being shorter, not having the damn footnotes, and maybe even being set in a completely separate world, while mirroring the same things happening here as colonialism, slavery, war, etc.
I will not remember this book after some time, and I will not think about it or the meaning behind it for much longer after this review.
The magic system was complex and amazing, with author clearly weaving her knowledge about words, languages and translation in it. But the damn footnotes.... The footnotes..... A sure way to make your reader go crazy.
For me the characters were bland, I guess Ramy was the only one who stood out for a bit because we find out he's not telling the whole truth, but everyone else was paper-thin.
There were good, interesting moments like explanation on how silver bars work, trying to hide the murder, some other parts. But this could have saved us money and some time by being shorter, not having the damn footnotes, and maybe even being set in a completely separate world, while mirroring the same things happening here as colonialism, slavery, war, etc.
I will not remember this book after some time, and I will not think about it or the meaning behind it for much longer after this review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racial slurs, Racism, Violence, Death of parent, and Cultural appropriation
Minor: Slavery