Babel by R.F. Kuang

*** My Review ***

Enter the world of Babel, a dark academia novel that brings London to life with its vivid and whimsical prose. Follow Robin Swift, an orphan from Canton, who is brought to England by Professor Lovell to attend the Royal Institute of Translation, Babel. Here, he is trained in various languages and prepared to serve the British Empire. But as he delves deeper into the tower, he realizes that there is more to Babel than meets the eye. Dark secrets lurk within the tower, and the true nature of the Empire is far from what he thought it was.

At its heart, Babel is a story about power, privilege, and the lengths to which people will go to maintain their place in society. Through the character of Robin Swift, Kuang explores what it means to be an outsider in a world that values conformity above all else. Raised in Canton and brought to England by a stuffy professor, Robin is a fish out of water at the Royal Institute of Translation. But as she begins to uncover the secrets of Babel and the British Empire, she realizes that her differences are not just a liability, but a source of strength.

To begin with, Babel is not your typical fantasy book of dragons and swords, fairies, and secret doors. Instead, it is a fantasy that is deeply rooted in history and imperialism. The monsters who built our current world are the ones who populate this story, making it feel like it could have actually happened.

Furthermore, the author masterfully entrenches every aspect of the story within academia, showcasing both the academic aesthetic setting and the unsavory sides of the culture. The magic system, which relies fundamentally on language and translation, feels plausible and deceptively simple in concept, lending itself easily into an alternate history novel.

What sets Babel apart from other dark academia novels is the way in which it blends its fantasy elements with a strong thematic message about race and belonging. Kuang deftly explores issues of racial prejudice and discrimination, highlighting the ways in which language can be used as a tool of oppression.

But at the same time, she also shows how language can be a source of empowerment and resistance, allowing individuals to challenge the status quo and forge their own paths.

Kuang’s magical writing keeps the story moving at a consistent pace, despite the slice of life academia that dominates much of the book. While waiting for something big to happen, readers are treated to the lives of the students, learning about the Empire, and taking exams. But when the big moments do arrive, they are truly shocking, and no character is safe. With no plot armor, each character is at risk, raising the stakes to new heights.

As the narrative unfolds, Kuang’s commitment to imbuing the themes of racial discrimination and belonging in the fabric of the story can occasionally feel one-dimensional and estranging. Every male character of a caucasian complexion is portrayed as unsavory, and the deployment of phrases such as “their kind” and “those whites” may come across as somewhat clumsy and subtly hostile. Nevertheless, the intricate exploration of Robin’s mixed ethnicity is an engrossing internal conflict that enriches his multifaceted character.

In this novel, Kuang has achieved a sense of timelessness, making it feel like a modern classic. One of the standout features of Babel is Kuang’s masterful incorporation of etymological discourses into the narrative. It adds depth and richness to the story, creating a vivid world that feels both real and fantastical.

Although Kuang’s use of footnotes can be distracting at times, the way she seamlessly blends history and language into the story is commendable. It’s clear that she has done extensive research, and this shines through in the text. Her characters are well-rounded and complex, and the themes of racial prejudice and belonging are explored with sensitivity and nuance.

At the heart of Babel lies a quartet of individuals, who stand as outsiders to the very institution they attend. These four characters endeavor to navigate a system that is inherently hostile to their presence, yet simultaneously dependent upon their unique skill sets and labor. The interactions between them are rife with moments of hope and inspiration, yet also marred by instances of gut-wrenching despair. However, throughout it all, their interactions remain resolutely authentic and grounded in reality.

Moreover, Ramy, Victorie, and Letty, lack depth, but their bond with Robin is heartwarming and beautifully demonstrated through glorious visual segments. From laughing in relief at their exam scores to walking through a graveyard after a ball, these moments help solidify their close relationship.

If you’re looking for a book that will transport you to another world and leave you questioning your own beliefs and values, Babel by R.F. Kuang is the perfect choice. This dark academia novel is a tour de force of storytelling, weaving together elements of mystery, fantasy, and social commentary to create a truly unforgettable reading experience.

Ultimately, Babel is a book that rewards close reading and careful consideration. While it may be a hefty read, it’s also a deeply rewarding one, full of rich characters, intricate world-building, and thought-provoking ideas. If you’re looking for a book that will challenge your assumptions and leave you questioning the world around you, Babel is a must-read.