Babel
描述
As tensions rise between different factions, her journey becomes a battle not only for personal survival but also for the soul of a nation. Layered with rich historical contexts, the narrative deftly intertwines themes of privilege, sacrifice, and resistance. The protagonist’s inner conflicts mirror the larger societal struggles, prompting readers to reflect on the power dynamics embedded in communication.
Driven by ambition and a desperate desire for belonging, she learns that the ties between language and identity can either empower or ensnare. Amidst the backdrop of an impending conflict, readers are drawn into a captivating tale of ambition, betrayal, and the unyielding quest for meaning in an increasingly divided world.
评论
Babel is absolutely gorgeous. There’s no better way to describe it. R.F. Kuang's writing is fluid and easy while descriptive and emotive. It’s one of the most raw and heartwrenching books I’ve ever read. But let’s go into a little more detail.Everything I just described can only be attributed to R.F. Kuang's writing. I've not been this absorbed in a book for a long time. Some moments within the book, moments of joy, are so beautifully written and in such contrast to the rest of the story that they really stand out. Similarly, moments of trauma and adversity are so stark they feel gut-wrenching.The depth and complexity of the characters within the book are a highlight. It dives deep into the psyche of the main character. You get what he’s thinking and feeling in perfect detail for each and every moment.The journey the main character goes on throughout this book is complex, emotional, confusing, and incredibly human. It's written so well and clearly comes from a place of emotional experience. Something white people can only understand or try to understand through the written experience of characters in a book like this.Babel addresses some really important themes throughout the book. One of which is the complicated nature of loving something beautiful that simultaneously profits from the suffering of you and your people. Or the idealistic nature of academics that speak words of peace and equality while ignoring acts of injustice and erasing past history to suit a pretty story. Or the illusion of and beauty of academic things. How they seem grand and spectacular, but underneath is a history of pain and suffering that was used to fund it.I’ve not even talked about the magic system. While, in reality, this takes a backseat to the politics of the story, it slots right in. It also makes explaining the depth of corruption in the British Empire graspable. In general, it's incredibly hard to balance a wealth of academic knowledge about language in the plot of your book while also making it interesting to non-language aficionados. But boy has R.F. Kuang done it! Babel is an emotional, absorbing ride, but boy, is it worth it.For more reviews and book recommendations, check out my YouTube channel
my babies. both my favourite characters died