A review by cheye13
Babel: An Arcane History by R.F. Kuang
adventurous
challenging
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
4.0
An incredibly crafted piece of literature. The fantasy elements excellently build the perfect world to set off the spark of this story.
Reading this felt more like historical fiction than anything else. Events and timelines too closely mirrored real history to leave any true hope throughout the story, but it was still heartening to watch the characters try.
Given the synopsis, I had actually hoped for more focus on the language element, more linguistic theory, whether true or invented. Compelling and important novel nonetheless.
Reading this felt more like historical fiction than anything else. Events and timelines too closely mirrored real history to leave any true hope throughout the story, but it was still heartening to watch the characters try.
Given the synopsis, I had actually hoped for more focus on the language element, more linguistic theory, whether true or invented. Compelling and important novel nonetheless.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia, Violence, Colonisation, Death of parent, Suicide, Death, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Racism, Child abuse, Murder, and Torture
Moderate: War, Blood, Sexism, Slavery, Grief, Racial slurs, Car accident, Cultural appropriation, Gore, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Confinement, Panic attacks/disorders, Deportation, and Toxic friendship