Scan barcode
A review by crusoe
Babel by R.F. Kuang
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Can't give this the full 5 stars because I could not connect well to the characters but in every other regard I adore this book! From the slow world-building to a fantastic climactic end; everything lines up. Every character has their own motivations, even the sidecharacters and that breathes real life into the story. It feels like there is much under the surface that can be revealed at a second read.
As someone who was once ensnared in the claws of academia, the way this story weaves theory with history and critique of the institution was quite nice.
Can't wait to read more in the dark academia subgenre of 'WTF RICHARD?!'
As someone who was once ensnared in the claws of academia, the way this story weaves theory with history and critique of the institution was quite nice.
Can't wait to read more in the dark academia subgenre of 'WTF RICHARD?!'
Graphic: Addiction, Child abuse, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Racism, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Torture, Xenophobia, Trafficking, Death of parent, Murder, Toxic friendship, Sexual harassment, Colonisation, War, and Classism
Moderate: Gun violence, Slavery, Violence, Blood, Islamophobia, Religious bigotry, and Alcohol