A new dark academic fantasy by the New York Times bestselling author of The Poppy WarTraduttore, traditore: An act of translation is always an act of betrayal.Oxford, 1836.The city of dreaming spires.It is the centre of all knowledge and progress in the world.And at its centre is Babel, the Royal Institute of Translation. The tower from which all the power of the Empire flows.Orphaned in Canton and brought to England by a mysterious guardian, Babel seemed like paradise to Robin Swift.Until it became a prison…But can a student stand against an empire?An incendiary new novel from award-winning author R.F. Kuang about the power of language, the violence of colonialism, and the sacrifices of resistance.
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Babel: SUNDAY TIMES and #1 NYT bestseller and most anticipated fantasy book of 2022
By R.F. Kuang
A new dark academic fantasy by the New York Times bestselling author of The Poppy WarTraduttore, traditore: An act of translation is always an act of betrayal.Oxford, 1836.The city of dreaming spires.It is the centre of all knowledge and progress in the world.And at its centre is Babel, the Royal Institute of Translation. The tower from which all the power of the Empire flows.Orphaned in Canton and brought to England by a mysterious guardian, Babel seemed like paradise to Robin Swift.Until it became a prison…But can a student stand against an empire?An incendiary new novel from award-winning author R.F. Kuang about the power of language, the violence of colonialism, and the sacrifices of resistance.
Popular Reviews(5)
Reviewed by Elias DolecekTruly a ten out of five stars. Babel is the first book I have read by R. F. Kuang and I went in with very high expectations because of all the praises sung about it and somehow these were still exceeded. It’s a beautiful but horrible story that broke my heart into pieces. The magic system is wonderfully unique, the characters are diverse and problematic and they feel like living, breathing beings, that you sympathize with and grow to love and hate in equal measure. The whole story is told in a way that makes it feel like you are reading a historical account rather than a work of fiction and in a way I suppose you are. Which makes it all the more horrible because oh my God. This book made me think about topics I usually don’t think about. It changed me - and aren’t books capable of that the best books? The style of writing - very academic and heavy (I had to look up a lot but I’m not a native speaker so maybe you will have an easier time) - may seem intimidating and overwhelming but it’s well worth it. This book is a gem, a masterpiece.
Reviewed by Hasse4,75⭐
Reviewed by MerlinI really loved this book!! And I am so happy I gave the author another chance since I did not really connect to the Poppy War trilogy (did not even finish the third book). This book puts translators on top of society and makes whole empires dependent on them. Since I have also initially studied translations and have never gotten anything other than “Aren’t AIs already good enough for that” I maybe feel biased in that regard hahaha But for real, this story is amazing, thoughtful, with very flawed characters who have understandable motives and also a very satisfying ending. Good stuff ! Will reread again in the near future.
Reviewed by Sarah“
Reviewed by Sarah“