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A review by athryn
Babel by R.F. Kuang
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
2.5
I mostly enjoyed this book, especially the first half. I really found the exploration of languages and translation to be good.
It ultimately ended up a bit stale to me, like the author had a really good grasp of the translation and language stuff, and yet wasn't all that great at actually writing historical fantasy. The characters at Oxford really didn't resonate with me as much as I'd like. The constant modern phrasing in the dialogue just felt off. Don't get me wrong, I love a "fuck the British Empire" and "fuck capitalism" book, but this just ... I dunno. It feels overrated.
It ultimately ended up a bit stale to me, like the author had a really good grasp of the translation and language stuff, and yet wasn't all that great at actually writing historical fantasy. The characters at Oxford really didn't resonate with me as much as I'd like. The constant modern phrasing in the dialogue just felt off. Don't get me wrong, I love a "fuck the British Empire" and "fuck capitalism" book, but this just ... I dunno. It feels overrated.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cultural appropriation, Death, Slavery, Gaslighting, Racism, Xenophobia, Colonisation, and Violence
Moderate: Classism, Forced institutionalization, Police brutality, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Torture, War, Kidnapping, Toxic friendship, Grief, Gun violence, Hate crime, Murder, Physical abuse, Bullying, Death, Death of parent, and Domestic abuse
Minor: Animal cruelty, Animal death, and Car accident