A review by spaceykate
Babel by R.F. Kuang

challenging dark informative medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This story & stylistic approach to sharing language / historical notes in footnotes appealed to me greatly, and the Les Mis nature towards the end - students, standing against an oppressive national force - strikes an impressive chord. Loved the book. Makes me passionate about linguistics again, of sharing knowledge, of civic engagement. Fairly certain this will continue to resonate with me in the days to come. 

I found it fascinating at the end, where Victoire remembers her friends in their last moments & Robin, in his, thinks fondly back to better times. It speaks to each of their motivations for how they close out the story. I’m pleased it ended with Victoire, in giving her character a true chance to be free from the narrative she was shackled to by manner of circumstance, and able to fight for the freedom of others in her way. Robin, much like Griffin, burned too bright and too fast to be the hearth that was needed for the next stage of their revolution. Victoire was the anchor, the pièce de résistance to keep that concept moving forward.
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