A review by briochebun
Babel by R.F. Kuang

challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

4.5 out of 5 ☆’s.

“Family names were not things to be dropped and replaced at whim, he thought. They marked lineage; they marked belonging.”

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I’m not sure how to express all of my thoughts on this novel in a way that is comprehensible (my mind is currently filled to the brim with disjointed ramblings) — so I’ll just keep it brief, and state that ”Babel” is truly an unforgettable novel.

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The reason why I gave <i>”Babel”</i> 4.5 stars is because I did have some issues with the general pacing of the middle portion of the novel — but this might just be because I binged the novel and didn’t take many breaks…(😅)

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I am excited to read R.F. Kuang’s future works. ♡

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Content Warnings

Graphic: War, Death, Suicide, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Slavery, Racial slurs, Racism, Self harm, Toxic friendship, Death of parent, Physical abuse, Blood, Classism, Sexism, Torture, and Xenophobia

Moderate: Gore, Grief, Child death, Emotional abuse, Child abuse, Vomit, Confinement, Bullying, Cultural appropriation, Drug abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Violence, and Drug use

Minor: Sexual harassment