A review by johnclough
Babel by R.F. Kuang

adventurous dark emotional hopeful informative mysterious 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? Yes

3.5

An original and engrossing read that draws you into its universe. For me it fell short of its elevated reputation, though. It tries to do too much, forcing character arcs that don't feel believable. For me, it was a little too overt with its messaging. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Racism, Murder, Cultural appropriation, Colonisation, and Classism

Moderate: Physical abuse, Sexism, Slavery, Violence, Death of parent, Toxic friendship, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Pandemic/Epidemic