A review by saramcaps
Babel by R.F. Kuang
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
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
4.75
Historical fiction with a subtle touch of fantasy that forays into linguistics and translation to critique colonialism at large. Reading it felt like Ethics of Translation 101 with a cool professor—captivating instead of grossly academic.
I wish we got to know the characters and their relationships a little better. It could’ve done with a few more lighthearted moments in the beginning to balance the end. But, my goodness the way this book ends forced me to sit with it for a while. It asks (and answers?) some big societal questions that will stick with me for sure.
I wish we got to know the characters and their relationships a little better. It could’ve done with a few more lighthearted moments in the beginning to balance the end. But, my goodness the way this book ends forced me to sit with it for a while. It asks (and answers?) some big societal questions that will stick with me for sure.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder