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A review by rc_boxnut
Babel: Or the Necessity of Violence: An Arcane History of the Oxford Translators' Revolution by R.F. Kuang
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I’ve seen many reviews hating on this book for “caricaturing white people” or “beating us over the head with her woke agenda.”
As a person who agrees with Kuang’s political and philosophical positions (and as a person who knows white people are rubbish), I *also* felt like the book was “beating us over the head with her woke agenda.” So much of the book was spent restating ideas, and giving example after similar example of the evil of colonialism, that the lessons were diluted.
Part of me wishes that Kuang had written Babel later in her career when she had more mastery of her craft, because the message is valuable, the magic system is fascinating, and a few characters are really compelling.
I’ve provided content warnings to go with this review, but I want to highlight two: child abuse and emotional abuse. Fairly early in the book, there is a wrenching scene of an adult abusing a child. Afterwards, there are realistic depictions of other adults’ complicity and gaslighting.
As a person who agrees with Kuang’s political and philosophical positions (and as a person who knows white people are rubbish), I *also* felt like the book was “beating us over the head with her woke agenda.” So much of the book was spent restating ideas, and giving example after similar example of the evil of colonialism, that the lessons were diluted.
Part of me wishes that Kuang had written Babel later in her career when she had more mastery of her craft, because the message is valuable, the magic system is fascinating, and a few characters are really compelling.
I’ve provided content warnings to go with this review, but I want to highlight two: child abuse and emotional abuse. Fairly early in the book, there is a wrenching scene of an adult abusing a child. Afterwards, there are realistic depictions of other adults’ complicity and gaslighting.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Racism, Xenophobia, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Racial slurs, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Death of parent, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Sexual assault