mjp03 's review for:

Babel by R.F. Kuang
4.5
challenging dark mysterious reflective tense medium-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

An illuminating metaphor for colonial history. Very well-researched and theoretically grounded in the postcolonial literature of Fanon, Cesaire and the like. The closing of the novel is appropriate, given its intention as a critique of colonialism.

A dense plot that I can only wish that was even richer and more detailed.