Rating: 4.5 Stars

I can't compare this book to any other I've read before. Typically, my reviews are quite detailed, covering all my favorite aspects and what I consider key elements of books. However, expressing how deeply this masterpiece affected me is a challenge. Initially, reading the physical book was difficult for me, so I switched to the audiobook version and couldn't put it down once I started.

"Babel" unfolds at a steady to moderate pace, blending history, a touch of fantasy, and a significant exploration of colonialism and resistance. It bothers me to see negative reviews suggesting that the author, R.F. Kuang, harbours animosity towards white individuals. The novel is set in England during the 1820s, portraying the accurate depiction of the brutal mistreatment and exploitation of people of colour, women, and the underprivileged. If this is an issue you have, I feel as if you are the problem and not the author. Kuang addresses oppression and colonialism with brute honesty, directness, and subtlety.

I've truly struggled to embrace Dark Academia literature, I enjoy it but don’t love it. "Babel" has set a new benchmark for me. The passion evident between the lines left me in awe, along with the incredibly innovative magic system based on translation. The depth, quality, and meticulous planning in a work like "Babel," completed in a single lifetime, is simply remarkable to me.

The diverse and captivating characters in the story had me devoted and invested by the halfway mark. I found myself rooting for Robin and Ramy from the start, as Kuang skilfully evokes the characters' emotions. I shared their pain, joy, wonder, and heartbreak as the story unfolded, although I felt a slight sense of incompleteness with Letty's narrative. This may stem from my preference for character-driven stories, while Kuang's strength lies in crafting plots and narratives.

This exceptional book will linger in my thoughts for a long time, a true contemporary masterpiece.