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A review by sophiesometimesreads
Babel: An Arcane History by R.F. Kuang
challenging
dark
informative
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
What a wild ride. I’ve only just recovered enough to write a review, and it’s been over a week.
I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the magical realism aspect, how language is woven through everything, the passive-aggressive nature of the footnotes and how they provided extra context, the commentary on automation, capitalism and colonialism. It was entertaining and eye-opening at the same time. It is a rather academic book and has many layers to the story, so it’s definitely not for those looking for a lighthearted read but I still think it is an important and enjoyable read.
The first part took me a while to get into and wrap my head around the world and the etymology and everything but I absolutely devoured the second half. And that ending, I was emotionally destroyed but in the best way possible.
The characters were flawed and real, and I was both frustrated by them and felt so deeply for them.
The pacing of the story was really good and I felt like the key points were highlighted without spending too long on the lesser important details.
This is my first RF Kuang book and it will 100% not be my last. If you can’t find me, I’m reading every book she’s ever written.
I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the magical realism aspect, how language is woven through everything, the passive-aggressive nature of the footnotes and how they provided extra context, the commentary on automation, capitalism and colonialism. It was entertaining and eye-opening at the same time. It is a rather academic book and has many layers to the story, so it’s definitely not for those looking for a lighthearted read but I still think it is an important and enjoyable read.
The first part took me a while to get into and wrap my head around the world and the etymology and everything but I absolutely devoured the second half. And that ending, I was emotionally destroyed but in the best way possible.
The characters were flawed and real, and I was both frustrated by them and felt so deeply for them.
The pacing of the story was really good and I felt like the key points were highlighted without spending too long on the lesser important details.
This is my first RF Kuang book and it will 100% not be my last. If you can’t find me, I’m reading every book she’s ever written.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Colonisation, and Death
Moderate: Sexism and War