This is probably one of the most important books I will read this year. I think everyone should read it, and I think it's something they should pay attention to. Despite the book taking place in the 1830s, its content is still very relevant to the current times. It's important, it's an ongoing problem, and not enough people know or pay attention, and I think this book is one big step into noticing what many people don't want to notice.

Alongside its relevancy, Babel is emotional. I was invested in the characters and the plot from the very first page. You watch the characters go through so much and you watch as they change from their environment and experiences. Robin's change, especially, is a very important and very real development. You don't find yourself questioning their actions in response to the plot. Everything flowed together beautifully, and it all tore your heart apart.

I also found myself learning as I read. I used to have no interest in linguistics. I always thought it sounded boring. But the magic in this story relies heavily on linguistics, so you find yourself learning about it as you read, whether you want to or not. Which just goes to show how much research went into this novel, and it shows how passionate the author is about each topic present in this novel.

R. F. Kuang had a purpose in mind when she wrote this book, and it met its purpose in the best way possible. Definitely one of my favorites both of the year and of all time.