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

• 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

3.75

I started off heavily disliking this book, and almost stopped at one point because it felt very much like a lecture that I’ve already been given. As a social geography and linguistics student, it felt like I was being given an introductory course that I had already taken. However, my investment in the characters and the world kept me coming back when I took breaks, and I’m glad that I did. The way the silverwork integrated into and changed the world that we know is wonderful, and the acceleration and escalation of the plot in the last third was incredibly gripping. 

Spoiler

It is so fitting that Victoire is the only one of the four to survive the events of the book. There were several moments where the reader, as well as the characters, realize that her intersectionality as a Black woman made her position so much harder than everyone else’s. Her character was a steady rock that everyone else relied on, and she was arguably the strongest of their cohort. I know her life after this will be hard, but i hope she’s able to find joy again.

Spoiler