Babel
by R.F. Kuang
4 out of 5 stars
Babel is an ambitious, thought-provoking novel that expertly blends historical fiction, dark academia, and colonial critique with a unique twist—linguistic magic. R.F. Kuang crafts a stunning alternative 19th-century Oxford, where translation is not just a scholarly pursuit but a powerful, world-altering force.
The story follows Robin Swift, a Chinese orphan brought to England to train in translation at Babel, the world’s most prestigious language institute. As he navigates the complex politics of empire, Robin is forced to confront ethical dilemmas that challenge his loyalty, identity, and place in the world.
Dense and heavily thematic, Babel is as intellectually stimulating as it is immersive. The prose is elegant, the research meticulous, and the social commentary sharp. While some may find the pacing slow, particularly in the first half, the novel’s depth and impact make it a standout in modern speculative fiction. It’s the kind of book that lingers in your mind long after the final page.
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