Scan barcode
A review by paigereitz
Babel by R.F. Kuang
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
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? It's complicated
5.0
Wow. This book tackles colonialism and doesn't hold back. It is a searing indictment on how we set up a system to allow some to prosper on the backs of others. It is an exploration of tokenism and how we often elevate the "special" to show an "exception to the rule" of racism, often ignoring the fact that it in fact validates the rule at all. It is intense and harsh, as is colonialism. It is intricate and beautifully heartbreakingly spun.
Graphic: Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Racism, Sexism, Violence, Xenophobia, Toxic friendship, Colonisation, and Classism
Moderate: Drug use, Hate crime, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Islamophobia, Murder, and Sexual harassment