esharashar 's review for:

Babel by R.F. Kuang

4.25

challenging emotional hopeful informative sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

---

This book presented a challenging yet enriching reading experience. I appreciated the exploration of language throughout the text, although it addressed numerous difficult topics. Many of these subjects prompted reflection on contemporary global issues. The narrative tackles themes of child abuse and racism, while also highlighting friendships among various races and presenting diverse perspectives on the same issues influenced by race.

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Death

Moderate: Racial slurs, Racism

Minor: Death of parent

The very descriptive occurrence of child abuse occurs toward the beginning of the book. While I cannot promise that there won't be hard to handle topics there isn't anything this disturbing later in the book. It's worth getting through the scene.