Babel is a stunning debut novel by R.F. Kuang that follows Robin Swift, a Chinese boy who is enrolled at Oxford's prestigious Royal Institute of Translation. There, he learns the art and science of translating languages, both human and magical, and discovers the secrets and dangers of a world where words have power.
🍈 One of the most remarkable aspects of Babel is the delicious prose. Kuang has a gift for language and delivers writing that is as evocative as it is poetic. She creates vivid images and scenes with her words, and uses metaphors and similes that are both original and apt. Her style is elegant and graceful, but also sharp and witty when needed. It's just a joy to read.
💥 Another strength of Babel is the characters. Kuang has crafted a diverse and memorable cast of characters, each with their own defined voice and perspective. Robin is a sympathetic and complex protagonist, who struggles with his identity, his past, and his ambitions. He is flawed but also admirable, and his growth throughout the story is both appropriate and satisfying. The supporting characters are equally well-developed and interesting, from Robin's friends and rivals at the Institute, to his mentors and enemies in the wider world. They all have their own motivations, conflicts, and arcs that enrich the story.
🪑 Babel impresses with its details and intricacies of the magic system, as well as the global political and economic structures that impact the story. Kuang has done an impressive amount of research to create a believable and consistent system of magic that is based on linguistics, history, and culture. She also explores the themes of imperialism, colonialism, racism, and oppression that shape the world of Babel, and how they affect the characters on a personal level. She does not shy away from showing the harsh realities and consequences of these issues, but also offers hope and resistance.
Babel is a brilliant novel that combines fantasy, historical fiction, and social commentary in a captivating way. I loved the world-building, the well-crafted and believable system of magic, the deft weaving of systemic global inequalities into individual narratives and most of all, the characters who are nuanced, multifaceted and consistently evolving. I highly recommend Babel to anyone who enjoys intelligent and immersive fiction.
Rating: 5/5
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