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A review by hthuwal
Babel by R.F. Kuang
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
A great historical fantasy fiction. The world building is excellent. The fantasy (magic) is built around word etymologies and so the book is littered with etymologies and interconnection of words from Latin, English, Greek, Sanskrit, Chinese, Arabic etc. If you are into linguistics, you’ll love reading this book.
Underlying the fantasy is a pretty accurate description and commentary on exploitation of the world by the British under the guise of free trade. Book also explores themes of friendship, morality, justice, racism (primarily white v/s non-white), women inequality.
Overall a good read. I however feel the book had much more potential given the fantastic world building and use of linguistics.
Underlying the fantasy is a pretty accurate description and commentary on exploitation of the world by the British under the guise of free trade. Book also explores themes of friendship, morality, justice, racism (primarily white v/s non-white), women inequality.
Overall a good read. I however feel the book had much more potential given the fantastic world building and use of linguistics.