A review by sherny
Babel by R.F. Kuang

challenging dark 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? It's complicated

4.75

This book should be taught in high school curriculum, right next to 1984 and Fahrenheit 451. It features a dystopian world very similar to our own at the height of the British empire. It covers topics such as racism, classism, colonialism, workers rights, woman’s rights, and more. The way it talks about these topics is insightful and well informed, while also being interesting and mirroring our world while also relying on the twist that makes this world different. It has queer characters, though they are not out given the time period. It could be listed as scifi/fantasy, but is more historical fiction with a twist.  Highly recommend as a read for white woman to understand intersectionality. 

Only reason I’m not giving it 5 stars is because it contributes to the literary trope of queer people not surviving
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