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A review by sashajwolf
Babel by R.F. Kuang
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is a jewel of a book, so well crafted that you don't even realise it until it sneaks up on you and floors you with a single well timed and perfectly executed blow.
Highly recommended to anyone with an interest in the history of empire and decolonisation, philosophy, linguistics and/or translation. It's also extremely evocative of Oxbridge academia, but if you aren't prepared to see that atmosphere problematised... well, it's all the more important that you read this, but approach with the caution you'd show an unexploded bomb.
Highly recommended to anyone with an interest in the history of empire and decolonisation, philosophy, linguistics and/or translation. It's also extremely evocative of Oxbridge academia, but if you aren't prepared to see that atmosphere problematised... well, it's all the more important that you read this, but approach with the caution you'd show an unexploded bomb.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Xenophobia, Cultural appropriation, and Colonisation
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Death, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Murder, Sexual harassment, War, and Classism
Minor: Confinement, Gun violence, Infidelity, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Deportation