In a mix between historical fiction and fantasy, R.F Kuang’s Babel illustrates the idea of colonialism and the strong hold over government that language and communication have. Robin Swift, a young boy from Canton, loses his family and is brought to London by Professor Lovell, a teacher at Oxford. He is swept into the world of English propriety and the education of languages in preparation to attend Oxford’s Royal Institute of Translation. From here, the story develops as student rebellion is uncovered and intentions are revealed. Robin is conflicted with his pacifist view of rebellion without violence, as well as his love for the school and the opportunities it has provided him with. Will Robin be able to figure out which side of the story he is on?
Babel has to be one of my favorite books of 2024. I love the mix of genres, as the book has a general historical focus, yet with fantasy and a magic system sprinkled in. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy but doesn’t prefer the versions with dragons and fairies.