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A review by art_humaniser
Babel by R.F. Kuang
4.0
Let's address the elephant in the room. People have polarised views towards this book. It's either a 'mobydick syndrome' for some or is 'everything that they needed'. I'm from the latter tribe - specifically cause I'm Asian. Yes this book gives Asian history alot more limelight that is usually missing in the mainstream historical fiction (must read author's notes). The banter, the friendships, conversation around grief, survival guilt, alienation from one's motherland, political intrigue, there is so much we can talk about and I loved every bit of it. I need more, a novelle where each character goes on their side quests.
However yes I didn't rate it 5 stars cuz it's too ambitious for its own good, the pace and direction of the plot line is heavy handed which conclusively reduces it's engaging factor. This book is more of a critic on the linguistic studies of the 1800s and a speculation of an Chinese history major - an earnest dream that I really needed.
However yes I didn't rate it 5 stars cuz it's too ambitious for its own good, the pace and direction of the plot line is heavy handed which conclusively reduces it's engaging factor. This book is more of a critic on the linguistic studies of the 1800s and a speculation of an Chinese history major - an earnest dream that I really needed.