Scan barcode
A review by eabh
Babel by R.F. Kuang
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
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
“Betrayal. Translation means doing violence upon the original, it means warping and distorting it for foreign, unintended eyes. So, where does that leave us? How can we conclude except by acknowledging that an act of translation is always an act of betrayal?”
This novel is so well written and researched. The depth that these characters are given, the duality of relationships, pain, hope, and death have throughout the novel is incredible. I really enjoyed the footnotes and information throughout the book. While the book may have been a bit heavy handed on tropes and hammering information and ideas, it didn’t phase me much. The magical realism mixed with historical fiction found a really engaging way to convey the brutality of imperialism, etymology, academic structures, racism, martyrdom, oppression, and language.
I’m still processing this book, and will for a while. I’m so glad I read this book.
This novel is so well written and researched. The depth that these characters are given, the duality of relationships, pain, hope, and death have throughout the novel is incredible. I really enjoyed the footnotes and information throughout the book. While the book may have been a bit heavy handed on tropes and hammering information and ideas, it didn’t phase me much. The magical realism mixed with historical fiction found a really engaging way to convey the brutality of imperialism, etymology, academic structures, racism, martyrdom, oppression, and language.
I’m still processing this book, and will for a while. I’m so glad I read this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Xenophobia, Grief, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and War
Moderate: Child abuse, Drug use, Gun violence, and Violence
Minor: Torture