A review by kspickes
Babel by R.F. Kuang

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

5.0

A masterpiece. The fantastical elements of the world felt fully integrated into the historical setting and served to even more starkly highlight colonialism’s insatiability. The characters were nuanced and compelling. Though the narrative felt a wee bit didactic in a few places, it was not enough to take me out of the story. It’s certainly not a book that coddles the reader’s feelings and is well worth a reflective read.
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