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A review by shreyapandey13
Babel by R.F. Kuang
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
📚 This book just blew me away. I have so many thoughts
📜 Kuang writes a fantastical reimagination of the 19th century, when British colonial rule was attaining new heights. Language has always played an important role in aiding the imperial agenda. Language can cannibalize, can overpower and destroy cultures. Language can be violent.
✨ It is this violence the author transforms into literal magic; translators are not just wielder of words but are wizards. And just as language has played a pivotal role in spreading colonial rule, their magic becomes no less than a weapon.
✒️ Author R. F. Kuang has a degree in History and is a scholar of Chinese Language and Literature and IT SHOWS. The meticulous detail and research that has gone into writing this book will seriously impress you.
🍁 A gripping narrative interwoven with serious themes like the immigrant experience, imperial violence, and the dangers of political ambivalence this book will make you think and entertain you, leaving you with a fury of emotions.
🪶 I highly recommend this book, especially to those in academia. And people who have a major in language, literature or linguistics—you can't skip this!
📜 Kuang writes a fantastical reimagination of the 19th century, when British colonial rule was attaining new heights. Language has always played an important role in aiding the imperial agenda. Language can cannibalize, can overpower and destroy cultures. Language can be violent.
✨ It is this violence the author transforms into literal magic; translators are not just wielder of words but are wizards. And just as language has played a pivotal role in spreading colonial rule, their magic becomes no less than a weapon.
✒️ Author R. F. Kuang has a degree in History and is a scholar of Chinese Language and Literature and IT SHOWS. The meticulous detail and research that has gone into writing this book will seriously impress you.
🍁 A gripping narrative interwoven with serious themes like the immigrant experience, imperial violence, and the dangers of political ambivalence this book will make you think and entertain you, leaving you with a fury of emotions.
🪶 I highly recommend this book, especially to those in academia. And people who have a major in language, literature or linguistics—you can't skip this!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Sexism, and Racism