joana_dc 's review for:

Babel by R.F. Kuang
4.0
adventurous challenging inspiring mysterious reflective 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: Complicated

A book that I was forced to speed-read the last 200 pages of since I had to give it back to the library but I actually wanted to finish it. Still quite good since that's when the pacing of the book speeds up.

This was a fascinating read from the aspects about linguistics and the magic system derived from it to the reflections on colonialism and what one can do in the face of opression. Although the pacing can be a bit slow at the start it seems purposeful since it does need to you to be like a frog in a pot where the water slowly heats up until it reaches a boiling point.

A beautiful work of fiction that let's you not only get immersed in a totally new universe but also reflect on topics that are extremely relevant in today's political climate regarding colonialism and the oppressive structures created by governments and how to affect change.

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