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A review by danteflorez
Babel by R.F. Kuang
adventurous
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
this was wild, when from really being into it then losing that love then finishing in tears
it's biggest flaw is how it seems like kuang reeeeally wants you to *get* the themes and the conflict surrounding colonialism and it just ends up feeling like the narrator is holding my head and screaming NOW SEE THIS IS WHY X PLOT POINT HAPPENED ITS ALL TIED. I think the author develops said themes pretty well through the characters and plot, so it just feels like she thought the audience wouldn't get it
BUT
man it was a great experience. I haven't felt this invested in a book in a while. the concept is marvelous and how it ties colonialism, imperialism and how important language is is incredible. idk how I didn't see the end coming but i gasped ngl
it's biggest flaw is how it seems like kuang reeeeally wants you to *get* the themes and the conflict surrounding colonialism and it just ends up feeling like the narrator is holding my head and screaming NOW SEE THIS IS WHY X PLOT POINT HAPPENED ITS ALL TIED. I think the author develops said themes pretty well through the characters and plot, so it just feels like she thought the audience wouldn't get it
BUT
man it was a great experience. I haven't felt this invested in a book in a while. the concept is marvelous and how it ties colonialism, imperialism and how important language is is incredible. idk how I didn't see the end coming but i gasped ngl