Author: R.F.Kuang
Publisher: Harper Collins
Genre: Dark Academia, Historical Fiction, Magical Realism, Fantasy, Literary Fiction
Synopsis
1828. Robin Swift, orphaned by cholera in Canton, is brought to London by the mysterious Professor Lovell. There, he trains for years in Latin, Ancient Greek, and Chinese, all in preparation for the day he’ll enrol in Oxford University’s prestigious Royal Institute of Translation—also known as Babel. The tower and its students are the world's centre for translation and, more importantly, magic. Silver-working—the art of manifesting the meaning lost in translation using enchanted silver bars—has made the British unparalleled in power, as the arcane craft serves the Empire's quest for colonization.
For Robin, Oxford is a utopia dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge. But knowledge obeys power, and as a Chinese boy raised in Britain, Robin realizes serving Babel means betraying his motherland. As his studies progress, Robin finds himself caught between Babel and the shadowy Hermes Society, an organization dedicated to stopping imperial expansion. When Britain pursues an unjust war with China over silver and opium, Robin must decide . . .
Can powerful institutions be changed from within, or does revolution always require violence?
My Review
I knew I was going to enjoy this book, but I was not prepared to be blown away by the absolute genius of it.
Kuang uses allegory, metaphor and symbolism masterfully. Her writing explores the concept of language as a tool of power and oppression, highlighting the ideology and hypocrisy behind Colonialism, Capitalism and Patriarchy.
This beautifully written story has everything. It focuses on race, class and gender within the institution of Oxford University and the British colonies and asks the reader if violence and morality can go hand in hand.
Cultural identity plays a huge part in the lives of the central characters, all recruited for their mother tongues and academic talent. Their work in translation and etymology is invaluable to the institution. An institution/country that ‘others’ them at every turn.
Babel is a story about friendship, belonging, betrayal and rebellion. The story cleverly illuminates the history of British White Supremacy and seamlessly connects the academic with the colonial.
Stories about the power of language always impress and intrigue me, but the linguistic and historical research that would have been required for this novel was more than impressive.
Kuang creates a magical element that is clearly defined with the symbolism behind it delivered with clarity and care.
The plot is slow-paced at times and is not an easy read but an intriguing, sophisticated, complex and unique narrative that I could not predict.
This book has it all, a gripping plot, great characters, and an important socio-political discourse.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars
A must-read!
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