Babel
By: R.F. Kuang
My Rating: FOUR out of FIVE Stars
Best For: 18 and up

Babel: A Smart, Reimagined History with a Linguistic Twist

This is a SMART book. R.F. Kuang delivers a really cool take on historical fiction—or more like reimagined history—that will make you feel smarter just by reading it. It’s a complex and layered story that takes on the heavy themes of colonialism, power, and language, all with a brilliant and unique perspective.

What’s it about?

The story begins in 1828 when Robin Swift, orphaned by cholera in Canton, is brought to London by a mysterious man to train for Oxford University’s prestigious Royal Institute of Translation, also known as Babel. While Oxford seems like a utopia dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge, Babel is also the world’s center for magic. This magic, called silver working, allows the British to manifest the meaning lost in translation using enchanted silver bars, making them unparalleled in power. As Robin trains alongside his cohort, he realizes that his knowledge serves the British Empire’s quest for colonization, forcing him to confront a difficult choice: serve the very institution that raised him, or betray his motherland. When an unjust war breaks out with China over silver and opium, Robin must decide if powerful institutions can be changed from within, or if revolution always requires violence.

What did I think?

This book is a masterclass in world-building and thematic depth. I absolutely loved the way Kuang intertwined language and translation at the heart of the story. I felt smarter after reading it! The magic element, “silver working,” is genius, but it’s like a secondary character. It’s not a book about magic at all, but rather a vessel for the author’s commentary on colonialism and power. It’s fascinating to see how the linguistic nuances of different languages are used to build a system that supports an empire.

The friendships are a highlight of the book; they are so well-written and real, giving the story a much-needed emotional core. Kuang’s perspective on 19th-century English colonialism is uncompromising and honest, and the mistakes made then feel like lessons we can learn from today. The novel is quite complex, making it a slow burn at times, but it is filled with moments of tension, intrigue, and plenty of drama that kept me engaged. After finishing Babel, I was left with a strong desire to go read The Poppy War!

Sensitive Content:

Graphic: Racism, Colonization.
Moderate: Child abuse, Racial slurs, Sexism, Toxic friendship.
Minor: Gun violence, Misogyny, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Murder, War.

Should you read it?

If you are looking for a thought-provoking, complex, and brilliant take on historical fiction, then you need to read Babel. It’s not an easy read, and it is unflinching in its portrayal of difficult subjects, but it is a worthwhile and rewarding experience. This dad says Babel is best for 18 and up.

Happy Reading!