A review by fantaiil
Babel by R.F. Kuang

challenging dark hopeful informative inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Are you ready for an uncomfortable read where you have to confront your own privilege and biases? 

• Yes? Great you're gonna love this book
• No? Great, especiall  you have to read this book

It's history with some fantasy. It's a love letter to languages all over the world. Different views of the world. More perspectives. Political. What's not to love?

It's literary. It's beautiful. It's uncomfortable. 
And it has to be uncomfortable.
You have to feel it. You have to think.

You can't talk about colonialism, slaves, racism and actual going on the barricades to fight for justice and make it fun. It has to be a hard read. It has to make you feel for the characters. It has to show how hard and difficult it is. 

And Kuang makes this beautifully while still telling you so much about literature, language and love. But it's  the way more interesting subtle love for friends, family and home and less overpowering romantic subplots.

It's a very important book. And absolutely deserves the hype. 

I wish I had the words to say how much I loved this. But I stayed awake until 2am to finish it and am now way to tired for more elaborate words.