Babel by R.F. Kuang - My Review
And we're BACK FROM HIATUS. First review since COVID I think. And it's a long one.
A beautiful, dark, and thought-provoking fantasy that explores coming-of-age, etymology, colonization, immigration, white supremacy, industrial evolution, and finally revolution. This is not a light read at 560 pages and as some reviews suggest Ms. Kuang takes a painstakingly detailed brush to Oxford and etymology -- but I ate this all up. English is not my first language and learning English after learning Russian was challenge. Why is laid pronounced like paid but said is pronounced like bread? Why is the order of adjectives (which is an unspoken agreement): opinion-size-age-shape-colour-origin-material-purpose Noun? The book dives into how the English language (through colonization) has evolved and absorbed languages. The influence slang and class have on etymology. But also introduces a magic system based on linguistic anthropology.
At the center of this, we have four incredible scholars from various backgrounds all eager to prove themselves for very different reasons. As we learn more about Ramy, Robin, Victoire, and Letty, we learn how drastically different this group of friends is and how these differences reflect their upbringing, class, race, and also the current political climate. Inevitably these differences lead to a rift amongst friends and also the sparks of revolution. Which all culminates in betrayal, murder, and more. I won't say more to not give any plot twists away. However, if you are familiar with Ms. Kuang's other series, The Poppy War -- you should not be surprised that this is not a light or romantic tale. It is not nearly as graphic as The Poppy War which portrays (in a fantastical setting) some of the atrocities of the Sino-Japanese War.
While great detail was added to Oxford, the universities, language and more I would have loved to see more development of some of the characters. In particularly Victorie, whose past, projects, and feelings we discover in Act 4/5. Alas I also understand why it was necessary to highlight/exaggerate some of the other characters given the novel is alreay over 500+ pages. Finally, interwoven with the painstaking detail to is dialogue that ties it all together even with bits of humor. And I'll leave you with this gem:
‘You know,’ said Robin, ‘there’s a Chinese character, xiǎn,* which can mean “rare, fresh, and tasty”. But it can also mean “meagre and scanty”.’ Ramy spat the truffle into a napkin. ‘Your point?’ ‘Sometimes rare and expensive things are worse.’
Ps. This masterpiece is a standalone. A rarity amongst high fantasy. That alone deserves recognition. Pre-order your copy today. Out in August 2022!
Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager for an e-arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
xx
Susan












