A review by lipka
Babel: An Arcane History by R.F. Kuang

emotional sad tense medium-paced

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

5.0

It is "a thematic response to The Secret History, and a tonal retort to Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell." 

I think my favorite was the fluttering. ᜋᜌ᜔ ᜉᜃ᜔ᜉᜃ᜔ ᜀᜅ᜔ ᜊᜎᜒᜆ. It ends only as it ever could. The audiobook narration is beautiful. The protagonist's voice ages and breaks. Please send birds.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Racism, Xenophobia, Classism, Colonisation, and Sexism

Moderate: Death, Death of parent, Gun violence, Racial slurs, Slavery, Murder, Suicide, Violence, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, War, Child abuse, and Police brutality

Minor: Pandemic/Epidemic, Drug use, Alcohol, Deportation, Religious bigotry, Confinement, Drug abuse, and Sexual harassment

In the second half of the book, sinophobic slurs are weaponized against characters, several times.