A review by books_coffee_cornwall
Babel by R.F. Kuang

adventurous challenging dark emotional informative relaxing tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Babel is a historical fantasy, set in early Victorian era Oxford. Silver with 'word pairs' assist in infrastructure and military, using translators from Oxford to translate. Robin, Ramy, Victoire and Letty are this year's cohort, brought together from various circumstances and continents. When thinks take a dark turn, we look at their friendship and if it can withstand societal and racial boundaries.

It's a chunky, complicated dark read, but oh it's one of my favourites. A compelling story with twists, solid characters and tonnes of social commentary on the time period, race and feminism. Odd Dr Who quote in there and it's a solid 5 star from me.

I try to be balanced in my views, but not this one. I just love it and will tell people I love it all the damn time.