A review by goblingirlreads
Babel by R.F. Kuang

challenging dark reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I find it much harder to explain why I love something perfectly and wholly than to describe a fault that made me cut a star. This book is a masterpiece. It is one of the most researched books I've ever read. It's stunningly beautifully written. I was in a multi month reading slump and this broke me out of it. I devoured it from beginning to end. It is not an easy read. It is about colonialism and violence, neither of which are easy. But it approaches these subjects with the gravity they deserve and through the eyes of characters who you see change as they learn more about the world they're in. This is a character driven novel for sure and that is my favorite kind. It's an amazing feat of writing, world-building, character development, and storytelling. I'm going to need some time to process it and then I'm going to shove it in everyone's face.