Take a photo of a barcode or cover
A review by nicolinebl
Babel by R.F. Kuang
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
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
4.25
This book was phenomenal and surely will be named among other greats like The Great Gatsby and other classics as it is just that good.
My only real point of criticism is the footnotes. They were distracting for the story and would have been better fitted at the end in a long list. The footnotes seemed somewhat condescending as if expecting the reader to basically know absolutely nothing on the mentioned topics. On the other hand I do appreciate that there was information and context available for those who might not be familiar with the themes.
Absolutely wonderfully written story with some incredible characters; and that ending absolutely blew my away and gave me goosebumps.
My only real point of criticism is the footnotes. They were distracting for the story and would have been better fitted at the end in a long list. The footnotes seemed somewhat condescending as if expecting the reader to basically know absolutely nothing on the mentioned topics. On the other hand I do appreciate that there was information and context available for those who might not be familiar with the themes.
Absolutely wonderfully written story with some incredible characters; and that ending absolutely blew my away and gave me goosebumps.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Sexism, Grief, Colonisation
Moderate: Child abuse, Death, Drug use, Gun violence, Misogyny, Slavery, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Murder, Toxic friendship, War
Minor: Racial slurs, Death of parent