A review by elisaviihde
Babel by R.F. Kuang

challenging dark emotional informative mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

The magic system that lives drep within the colonial system and the feelings and effects of exploitation are all laid bare on Babel. I enjoyed the translation-based silverwork system a lot, it made the often unseen use of language as a tool of oppression into a literal one. However I did feel like the characterwork and diving even more into the group’s interpersonal relationships could’ve been beneficial - at times it felt a bit too tedious, even if they all are academics, to have everyone only ever discussing these grand ideas of justice and freedom and the reasonings. I felt there was a need for a few more interpersonal anecdotes to drive the point even deeper when the book came to a conclusion.
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