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A review by kindra_demi
Babel by R.F. Kuang
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
How much did I love Babel? Well it gave inspiration for my possible dissertation topic (we wait for approvals still) so... Still trying to figure out how to do a dedication in a dissertation because it will be to R.F. Kuang (sure my family and friends, but R.F. Kuang first).
Second, literally the only reason why I didn't binge this in one sitting is it just stressed me out for the start of grad school.
Third, this is not my first journey with R.F. Kuang. I know the pain and suffering she exquisitely writes into her stories. THAT BEING SAID, IT DOESN'T MAKE THE PAIN ANY LESS PAINFUL. The way everything is so thought out and detailed, and you can see that with all of the footnotes she makes and the explanations she makes in her connections of languages. She makes you not just feel on a superficial level, but experience the emotions the characters go through on a deep level.
As I read the book, I couldn't help but think of when will I be stabbed in the back. Life was too happy for a book that it a critique of how institutions uphold white supremacy through colonization. And I love that about the book! It leaves me on edge the whole time.
As someone who is fascinated by languages too, the discussions of translation, what words mean and what they used to mean, etc. would send me into a spiral which included anywhere from 10-30 minutes of Google searches going down my own rabbit whole.
Would I recommend Babel? Of course. But if it's your first experience with RF Kuang's writings, be prepared with a box a tissues and a therapist on speed dial (note the lack of reviews for The Poppy War Trilogy which is literally one of my favorite series ever because I'm still trying to process it)
Second, literally the only reason why I didn't binge this in one sitting is it just stressed me out for the start of grad school.
Third, this is not my first journey with R.F. Kuang. I know the pain and suffering she exquisitely writes into her stories. THAT BEING SAID, IT DOESN'T MAKE THE PAIN ANY LESS PAINFUL. The way everything is so thought out and detailed, and you can see that with all of the footnotes she makes and the explanations she makes in her connections of languages. She makes you not just feel on a superficial level, but experience the emotions the characters go through on a deep level.
As I read the book, I couldn't help but think of when will I be stabbed in the back. Life was too happy for a book that it a critique of how institutions uphold white supremacy through colonization. And I love that about the book! It leaves me on edge the whole time.
As someone who is fascinated by languages too, the discussions of translation, what words mean and what they used to mean, etc. would send me into a spiral which included anywhere from 10-30 minutes of Google searches going down my own rabbit whole.
Would I recommend Babel? Of course. But if it's your first experience with RF Kuang's writings, be prepared with a box a tissues and a therapist on speed dial (note the lack of reviews for The Poppy War Trilogy which is literally one of my favorite series ever because I'm still trying to process it)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Child abuse, Blood, Colonisation, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Racial slurs, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Torture
Moderate: Death of parent, Drug use, Classism, Medical content, and Slavery