A review by ashleymarcolini
Babel by R.F. Kuang

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective 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

5.0

I need to come back to this review when I find the words, but this novel was an absolute masterpiece. The characters are dynamic and rich and lively. The villains and antagonists are sneaky and subtle and so real, even hundreds of years later.  I’m obsessed with all of the ties to history and all of the research the author did to bring the story to life. Themes of friendship, loyalty, home, racism, colonization, academics, and pursuit of knowledge we’re constantly evolving and my perception of each of these things were challenged. I laughed, I cried, my heart ached, my heart skipped a beat. I longed for more, and am not ready for it to be done. A masterpiece. A masterpiece.