Babel

Babel - Or the Necessity of Violence: An Arcane History of the Oxford Translators’ Revolution
by R.F. Kuang
published August 2022 by HarperCollins
genre: historical fantasy

The primary time period for this book is the early 1800’s. The focused setting was Oxford, England, but it initially begins in Canton and then London. We also get windows into other countries and time periods because of additional characters and necessary explorative adventures.

So inventive and creative!!! I realized that I haven’t had a lot of experience reading the genre of historical fantasy. But what a brilliant way to get into and behind the scenes — the intricacies, the back alleys of colonialism, racism, and the use of systemic and structural violence. In developing the main characters, the author explores how people can wake up to these themes, and she exposes shadow sides of what can prevent people from waking up or struggling with non-action when they do.

I am absolutely thrilled to have read this book! Also, with the diverse lineup of characters, the use of multiple languages, dialects, a robust vocabulary, and the near 600 pages, I’m especially glad to have listened to it as an audiobook! Also, I do think I will add purchasing a hard copy of Babel to my book list because it is so brilliant.

With many reflections I write, I hesitate to reveal too much of the storyline for fear of spoilers. Babel, in particular—is one of those books. If you are a person who wants to know more before you read, it, read the book jacket or an online synopsis somewhere. For me, I really appreciated the not knowing.