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

challenging dark emotional informative mysterious sad tense medium-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? Yes

4.5

A wonderfully written story about the very real struggle against empire. Seeing how the powerful manipulate and warp both their own people and those whom they oppress to think that their way is inevitable is seeped in truth, and the struggle of the oppressed to make those who benefit from the system see the truth is poignant. The slow burn of the revelation of truth allows for such a painful rejection of their willful ignorance, and makes the fracturing of the group so much more painful. The book is also filled with interesting perspectives on translation and languages, which I found deeply interesting as a bilingual individual. 

Would not recommend to read as a student going through exams because those school days sections are *real*. 
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