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shelfkewpie 's review for:
Babel
by R.F. Kuang
adventurous
dark
informative
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The magic system is so creative and well-structured, with inspiring facts about languages and translation. I felt that the world-building and symbolism were strong enough to make the underlying messages very clear, but the writer insists on giving direct literal sentences to drive home the theme. I wish it was written for the reader to contemplate on, rather than being told exactly what they're getting out of the story.
Maybe the message was spelled out for the people who don't understand systemic oppression or can't relate to one of the POC characters, but the opportunity to dig deeper into a book is part of the excitement of reading, and I felt like the author spoon-fed me all there was to get out of it.
Maybe the message was spelled out for the people who don't understand systemic oppression or can't relate to one of the POC characters, but the opportunity to dig deeper into a book is part of the excitement of reading, and I felt like the author spoon-fed me all there was to get out of it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Xenophobia, Blood, Colonisation
Moderate: Gun violence, Misogyny, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Drug use