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A review by iellv
Babel by R.F. Kuang
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
If you’re familiar with RF Kuang’s writing, you might have noticed that she tends to be a bit heavy-handed with her own views. Personally I never minded this with The Poppy War books since I could easily move on, but there were times in Babel where her voice muddled some of the characters’ and sometimes would overwrite their voices completely. As in, if I wanted to read decolonization theory I’d go pick up another book for sure and I’d be so much better off than reading it in a fictional book where it seems highly implausible to have such modern discussions about decolonization (not saying they were not having these conversations; just that at the time and in their circumstances, the rhetoric would have skewed somewhere that wasn’t the far left. if the Ilustrados of the Philippines never could stray from their privileged positions, what more for the Oxford students?). It takes you out, so fair warning. This tendency becomes a lot more evident in the latter half of the book, btw, so much so that even I got sick of it (which says a lot). But for people who are new to theory, I think this is great and absolutely accessible for those who need fiction and fantasy as a sort of crutch or entry point. Also an absolutely great history and linguistics lesson??? Delectable. If you have some experience with any of the languages featured here (Mandarin for me), this book can double your enjoyment. Sorry, at this point I’m just babbling (haha).
Complaints aside this book was compelling and heartbreaking and rooted firmly in the brutality of imperialism. Babel explores all forms of violence and RF Kuang continues to prove that she remains unafraid of pushing boundaries. We certainly need more uncompromising, yet respectful writers like her (but I would ask for more subtlety and to write with more nuance and with consideration of one’s characters). I’m not done obsessing over The Poppy War Trilogy, but I’m more than glad to add this book to a growing list of books I might never tire of rereading and crying over. As a fan of Fang Runin and as someone who also believes revolutions cannot be won without violence (the sustainability of a violent revolution is another conversation entirely and is one that was adequately explored in TPW Trilogy so if you haven’t read those books, I implore you to do so), I’m upset about Griffin, but I’ll let it slide as I think much of this book is a masterpiece, and I am equally devastated and relieved to see it end. I had the time of my life reading this book and I can’t say that enough. Hope to reread this very soon!
Another thing that really broke me and will continue to haunt me was Robin. I loved everything about Robin— from his fearfulness and resilience, to the brilliance of his mind, his capacity for great love and consuming hatred, and finally to his GRIEF. Robin grieves throughout the entire book. I am endlessly fascinated by depictions of grief and how that informs one’s relationship with death (whether physical or otherwise) but this book has to be my favorite in that respect.
One more thing: Griffin. Absolutely did not like the way he died, but I have to wonder if that was the death instinct Robin shared with him. Paranoid Griffin, Soldier Griffin dying in what would have looked like a dramatic pseudo-duel just felt a bit far-fetched to me, esp without that explanation. There was so much potential for even a thread of family and of commiseration between him and Robin, esp once Robin officially joined Hermes. Normally it wouldn’t bother me, but in conversations of decolonization and revolution, family and community are extremely important, so I was surprised that the book did not fully address the way Robin once (and for a very long time) felt so very alienated by Griffin. There were a lot of missed opportunities with Griffin, I feel, even though I also felt that he did not have a place in the final chapters. It at least would have brought Robin’s entire arc full circle, imo. At the end of the day, I know he’s just one of RFK’s mouthpieces lol.
Complaints aside this book was compelling and heartbreaking and rooted firmly in the brutality of imperialism. Babel explores all forms of violence and RF Kuang continues to prove that she remains unafraid of pushing boundaries. We certainly need more uncompromising, yet respectful writers like her (but I would ask for more subtlety and to write with more nuance and with consideration of one’s characters). I’m not done obsessing over The Poppy War Trilogy, but I’m more than glad to add this book to a growing list of books I might never tire of rereading and crying over. As a fan of Fang Runin and as someone who also believes revolutions cannot be won without violence (the sustainability of a violent revolution is another conversation entirely and is one that was adequately explored in TPW Trilogy so if you haven’t read those books, I implore you to do so), I’m upset about Griffin, but I’ll let it slide as I think much of this book is a masterpiece, and I am equally devastated and relieved to see it end. I had the time of my life reading this book and I can’t say that enough. Hope to reread this very soon!
One more thing: Griffin. Absolutely did not like the way he died, but I have to wonder if that was the death instinct Robin shared with him. Paranoid Griffin, Soldier Griffin dying in what would have looked like a dramatic pseudo-duel just felt a bit far-fetched to me, esp without that explanation. There was so much potential for even a thread of family and of commiseration between him and Robin, esp once Robin officially joined Hermes. Normally it wouldn’t bother me, but in conversations of decolonization and revolution, family and community are extremely important, so I was surprised that the book did not fully address the way Robin once (and for a very long time) felt so very alienated by Griffin. There were a lot of missed opportunities with Griffin, I feel, even though I also felt that he did not have a place in the final chapters. It at least would have brought Robin’s entire arc full circle, imo. At the end of the day, I know he’s just one of RFK’s mouthpieces lol.