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A review by dany_casimiro
Babel by R.F. Kuang
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
It seems weird, after reading such a wonderful love letter to languages, how at a loss for words I am.
Babel is an intricate attack and discussion on power dynamics and their relation to words. It tells an alternate History of the British empire in the 19th century, with the colonialist and oppressive lines it draws on the world. And it reads as real History would; a ton of footnotes, most of which are inspired by real events and people, which add layers of apparent veracity to the plot, making it even more immersive.
The characters are complex and nuanced, each with their own fleshed-out personality and motivations. Although I related more to Robin and personally find Ramy to be the best character, Letty and Victoire are never forgotten by the writer, who brings them to the forefront at exactly the right moment. Even secondary figures receive similar treatment and are given the opportunity to make themselves known.
It is interesting how, each time we are told what is going to happen, Kuang voices precisely the worries and possibilities of different outcomes, matching the reader's inner thoughts.
From theoretical and philosophical questions discussed by overly sheltered students, who are forced to take their arguments into the real world, into their lives.
Kuang has taken dark academia literature and translated it into something more. The ways she explores literature and the freedom and oppression provided by languages are absolutely brilliant. The suffering derived from racism, xenophobia, elitism, sexism, and class discrimination it displays is raw, bitter, while poignantly casting light on truths and values that are unfortunately present in our own time and History.
Babel is an intricate attack and discussion on power dynamics and their relation to words. It tells an alternate History of the British empire in the 19th century, with the colonialist and oppressive lines it draws on the world. And it reads as real History would; a ton of footnotes, most of which are inspired by real events and people, which add layers of apparent veracity to the plot, making it even more immersive.
The characters are complex and nuanced, each with their own fleshed-out personality and motivations. Although I related more to Robin and personally find Ramy to be the best character, Letty and Victoire are never forgotten by the writer, who brings them to the forefront at exactly the right moment. Even secondary figures receive similar treatment and are given the opportunity to make themselves known.
It is interesting how, each time we are told what is going to happen, Kuang voices precisely the worries and possibilities of different outcomes, matching the reader's inner thoughts.
From theoretical and philosophical questions discussed by overly sheltered students, who are forced to take their arguments into the real world, into their lives.
Kuang has taken dark academia literature and translated it into something more. The ways she explores literature and the freedom and oppression provided by languages are absolutely brilliant. The suffering derived from racism, xenophobia, elitism, sexism, and class discrimination it displays is raw, bitter, while poignantly casting light on truths and values that are unfortunately present in our own time and History.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Hate crime, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Classism, Colonisation, Gaslighting, Misogyny, Police brutality, Racial slurs, Racism, Death, Emotional abuse, Deportation, Religious bigotry, Sexism, Cultural appropriation, Grief, and Torture