Read: December 19, 2024
Summary: Babel by R.F. Kuang is a dark fantasy novel set in 1830s Britain, exploring themes of language, colonialism, and power. The story follows Robin Swift, a young scholar from Canton, who is brought to Oxford’s prestigious translation institute, Babel. There, he learns the art of translation, which allows its practitioners to wield magical power through the manipulation of language. As Robin becomes entangled in the institution’s political schemes, he grapples with the moral complexities of using this power for the benefit of the British Empire. Torn between his loyalty to his friends and his own sense of justice, Robin must decide whether to use his knowledge to challenge the system that exploits both his homeland and marginalized peoples. The novel explores the intersections of language, empire, and resistance, offering a critique of colonial exploitation and the cost of power.
My Review: Babel was a really good, thought-provoking novel that captivated me from the first page. I enjoyed the narrative and the themes throughout the novel. It blended historical fiction, fantasy, and politics really well.
The central them of language as a tool of power and resistance is masterfully weaved throughout the novel. The world building around the use of translation magic, where words themselves hold the key to power, adds depth to the story. The added footnotes and the practicalities of language and linguistics gave the story a unique edge over other fantasy novels.
