A review by ddnreads
Babel by R.F. Kuang

challenging dark emotional funny hopeful informative sad tense 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? It's complicated

5.0

This work is brilliant!!! It's something else. Dimantling language, translation, etymology, cultures, is such a fascinating way. Set in 1800's dark academia fantasy of Oxford scholars.

Satisfying diversed characters. The shade for whites and system were strong. Snappy and entertaining.

Found family trope with heart wrecking plot. There's this magical thread on how RFK weave the destiny of each of her character. They stay true. Each was given justice of their depth and development.

The plot was not action packed but it was enough. Atmospheric you would want to be there with them, experiencing Oxford and the cones. Lots of lectures and theories about language and translation which I enjoy so much it's weird. (Which also, unfortunately, my English ed lecturers would never)

The magical system was simple. The power of words within silver.

Cultures, languages, slavery, political disturbance, violence, racism, and homeland...

I love it. Best read. And to think the research went through to get this done 👌👌👌👌👌