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A review by rorikae
Babel by R.F. Kuang
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-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? Yes
4.5
Babel by R.F. Kuang is a slow, thoughtful evaluation of the power of language, colonization, and translation.
Robin Swift's mother dies right in front of him right before Professor Lowell, a British university professor, saves him. Lowell brings Robin to Britain where he studies languages in preparation for joining Oxford and in particular, the Royal Institute of Translation. Once at Oxford, Robin quickly makes friends with three other Babel students but as their studies progress they begin to learn how silver-working, the magic that is based on translation and keeps Britain moving, is being used to further its colonial intentions. They will have to decide if they will help continue Britain's goals as students or rebel against the very school that has become like a second home.
There is so much happening in Babel and it is clear how much work and time Kuang put into creating this world and these characters. Even the magic system is well thought-out and another fascinating aspect of the story. The plot itself is relatively slow for a majority of the book before going at a rapid pace at the end. This felt fitting given that the majority of the book covers the lived experience of Robin and his friends while they are at Babel. Since I love a good university setting and delving into the magic system at the heart of the story, I didn't mind the slow pacing but I could see how this could really bother some people. I also really appreciated how much Kuang interrogates Britain's colonial project and in particular the use of language and translation as a way to impose upon and exploit other countries. Kuang is very upfront about Britain's racism, xenophobia, colonialism, and more, which I appreciated. This book tries to do a lot for being a standalone and I do think that it was largely successful. I think this is in large part because of the fascinating characters who are so deeply flawed but also so deeply human. I'm conflicted about the ending but I ultimately think that it does fit the story that was being told. I will definitely be picking up of more Kuang's work as it is clear she is a meticulous writer who can balance intense themes with a cast of characters and an intriguing magic system.
Robin Swift's mother dies right in front of him right before Professor Lowell, a British university professor, saves him. Lowell brings Robin to Britain where he studies languages in preparation for joining Oxford and in particular, the Royal Institute of Translation. Once at Oxford, Robin quickly makes friends with three other Babel students but as their studies progress they begin to learn how silver-working, the magic that is based on translation and keeps Britain moving, is being used to further its colonial intentions. They will have to decide if they will help continue Britain's goals as students or rebel against the very school that has become like a second home.
There is so much happening in Babel and it is clear how much work and time Kuang put into creating this world and these characters. Even the magic system is well thought-out and another fascinating aspect of the story. The plot itself is relatively slow for a majority of the book before going at a rapid pace at the end. This felt fitting given that the majority of the book covers the lived experience of Robin and his friends while they are at Babel. Since I love a good university setting and delving into the magic system at the heart of the story, I didn't mind the slow pacing but I could see how this could really bother some people. I also really appreciated how much Kuang interrogates Britain's colonial project and in particular the use of language and translation as a way to impose upon and exploit other countries. Kuang is very upfront about Britain's racism, xenophobia, colonialism, and more, which I appreciated. This book tries to do a lot for being a standalone and I do think that it was largely successful. I think this is in large part because of the fascinating characters who are so deeply flawed but also so deeply human. I'm conflicted about the ending but I ultimately think that it does fit the story that was being told. I will definitely be picking up of more Kuang's work as it is clear she is a meticulous writer who can balance intense themes with a cast of characters and an intriguing magic system.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Violence, Xenophobia, Grief, Murder, Toxic friendship, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
Moderate: Slavery, Suicide, War
Minor: Death of parent