“That’s just what translation is, I think. That’s all speaking is. Listening to the other and trying to see past your own biases to glimpse what they’re trying to say. Showing yourself to the world, and hoping someone else understands.”

Babel is a historical fantasy novel by R.F. Kuang based on Oxford University in the 1830s/40s through a truly unique combination of historical fiction, magic, dark academia, and nonfiction. 

Babel is told almost entirely through the perspective of Robin Swift, who is forced to attend Babel after being taken from his home country of China as a child. 

The story centers around Robin but he is supported by his Babel cohort: Ramy, Victorie, and Letty, who are all from different backgrounds. The characters felt very real and it was easy to care for and root for them. 

Kuang’s writing is very technical and a little lecture like in terms of etymology and the history of language/translation. I personally enjoyed these elements but can see how others may dislike them. Babel still manages to be incredibly captivating and immersive; I felt like I was at Oxford with the students. 

At its core, Babel explores colonialism and revolution, and its implications. Kuang brings the reader along while Robin slowly comes to the realization of the necessity of resistance, and in some cases violent resistance - to achieve decolonization. 

Overall, Babel is an ambitious, brilliant, and massive novel that is heartbreakingly beautiful and full of emotion.