This book left me with such a huge book hangover I don’t think I’ll ever fully recover. It firmly puts R.F. Kuang in the ‘great writers’ category, as if The Poppy War hadn’t shoved her very far towards that anyway. The point being, I’m not one who likes to tell people what they should or shouldn’t read, but I am here to say you need to read this book. It is truly excellent and if you’re on this site I honestly believe it will be right up your street or alley or whatever other type of pedestrian walking area you choose.

So, Babel – where to even start? How about with Robin Swift, our protagonist, orphaned in Canton and found by Professor Lovell, who whisks him off to London where he trains in various languages until he enrols in Oxford’s Royal Institute of Translation. Commonly and lovingly known as Babel, the institute is a core part of the sprawling, ever-growing British Empire, providing the magic for them to enact their violence around the world.

The second part of this title is incredibly important – The Necessity of Violence is something Robin struggles with throughout the book, torn between what he thinks is morally right, and the path his brother is travelling down. Robin is a tool of the empire, as are most of the characters we come across, the main difference is in how they react to it. Some believe pushing through legally is the right direction, wanting to spill as little blood as possible. On the other end, there are those who feel deaths are not a big price to pay to be free. There’s magic in this world, in the form of silver bars, and the magic system Kuang creates here is utterly fascinating, involving the marrying together of language and silver.

It's incredibly hard not to feel for Robin throughout this. We meet him when his mother is dying, and we see him go through so much. Robin doesn’t really want to give up his Babel lifestyle, charmed by the glittering gold, but throughout he still recognises what he has given up because of it, and what remaining part of it will mean. He very much wants to do the right thing, but struggles with what ‘the right thing’ truly is. He absorbs the experiences around him, and acknowledges the difficulties others face.

Kuang really touches on a lot of issues in this book, and shows how they intersect, even if the characters can’t always see that. Racism, sexism, the class system, the treatment of the Irish and Welsh (and their languages) by the English, where they’re very much seen as ‘lesser’ and not worth exploring. It’s a complicated web of issues at the heart of the British Empire, and Kuang never shies away from showing the brutality of it all.

Robin’s cohort is made up of four Babel students, each on their own journey, and really it’s the story of the friends, who deeply love each other, that sits at the heart of this. It’s the unspoken and spoken between them, the tension, the things they hide to protect each other – it’s the air that sits between two words in two different languages that, on the surface, look like they mean the same thing, but dig a little deeper and you’ll find the differences.

Oh, and the other thing about this book – an absolute dream for language lovers, with etymology on nearly every page, whether it’s used in the silver bars or the students discussing and debating translations.

I could rave about this book all day and probably will for a long time, but this book is truly both beautiful and brutal. It’s violent, and the violence is handled in a way that is impressively effective. It’s for sure a standout book of 2022, and I truly hope it gets all the recognition it deserves.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction for granted my wish! Here I leave my honest review.

I heard so many good things for this book before it release and I really want to read this. When NetGalley granted my wish for this book I literary screaming! I was so excited to read this one and really want to finish it before the publish day but I think this book isn't for me, as much as I want to love this book, I just can't.

At first the book is just fine for me, I love the main character Robin. But after deeper into the book, confusion hits me. I can't grasp what kind of story will fold. It's a bit hard for me to understand the magic system. The world in this book looks familiar but at the same time, it isn't. Is this the same London as I know in the past or is this another alternative London? The magic concept feels simple but at the same time it's so hard to imagine with all these language and translation. After a long time, I just ignore it and read the rest of the book just to find out what is the real conflict that will arise. And the plot is super slow!

One thing I like is R.F. Kuang leave foot notes for us reader to make it easier to understand and sometimes I confuse, is this fiction or non fiction book, because the reality and the fiction world mix into one and make me confuse again.

I have hope after what happen to Robin, I follow the book excitedly after that. But, near the ending I think the conflict kind of blurry and well this is kind of a refreshing book for me with this kind of ending. Leave too many questions, I didn't know what is the result of Robin doing here. It feels like cliffhanger but also not in the same time. I just confuse to process the ending. And another I thing I love, I could say is the friendship between Robin and his friend despite the twist I still love them.

Unfortunately this book was not for me, it was a bit slower than I would like and it just didn't hold my attention. I am sure other people will love it!

Oxford, languages, a bit of magic, anti-colonialism, oppression, revolution... What a journey!

The concept was highly original, and the plot gripping and well structured. The characters were excellently crafted - diverse, convincing - and heartbreaking.

My only criticism would be the editing, which left a lot to be desired (primarily in terms of grammar and continuity). I would not normally comment on this in an arc, but unfortunately it appears that the errors in question made it into the published version. Nevertheless, a most enjoyable and engaging read - highly recommended.

There's not much I can say about this one. It was literal perfection.

I started this not knowing anything about it except translators and Oxford and I'm very glad that's all I knew. I loved discovering this story unaware, it kept taking me places I did not expect. I really found it captivating and so perfectly crafted. Everything about this was perfect and everyone should read it instead of reading this review, which is why I'll stop here. :)

She has only gone and done it again. Am I surprised? No. R F Kiang writes the most fascinating and absorbing works I've ever read. I thought the Poppy war trilogy was good. Babel was another level. I didn't want to spoil the book by giving anything away, but if you love fantasy books with a historical subtext, aka you’re a fellow dark academia lover, this book is for you


I couldn't praise R F Kuang enough even if I tried

There are some books that when you finish you just go ‘WOW’, and feel devestated the book is finished, for me Babel is one of those books. In Babel R.F. Kaung has written a love letter to etymology and the power of languages, and how they evolve over time. Through Robin and his fellow students, all of whom study different languages, we see how words can be mistranslated, and misundersttod leading to misinformation, where in the making of silver bars can be fatal. Language at Babel is studied, documented in Grammatica as reference for new students, but is also the power of behind the British Empire, the pairing of words the secret behind the silver bars. I was fascinated by this theme of the book, and R.F. Kaung includes so many footnotes that give more detail of the language, it’s origin and development.

R.F. Kaung shines a light on so many important issues of the time through her characters. Robin was a character that I warmed to from the first page. He was a frightened young boy in Canton, living with his family as they die from the plague, leaving him alone. Proffessor Lovell offers him a new and better life in England, an education, and a place at the exclusive Babel at Oxford University. But with Ramy and Victoire he realises that he is just a victim of Colonisation, taken from their homes by rich white men and trained to study at Babel and ultimately help the Empire by working with the silver. There is also focus on racism and sexism, only Babel allows foreign and female students unlike the other colleges at Oxford, the class system where the silver takes the jobs of those manual labours leaving them unemployed, and the self belief and greed of the British in their Colonisation, especially in China.

The research into these subjects is detailed and impressive, where you forget the fantasy elememt of the book and become engrossed in the historical element; the impact of the industrial revolution, the politics and cruelty practiced on people who were different, by sex of race. There is also the alternative Industrial Revolution, workers made unemployed as factories use the silver to do most of the work.

I have to mention the setting of this book as well; truely stunning. A college solely for words, on eight floors, full of books and reference materials, where only the students can enter. The description of the tower it’s self, named after the biblical Babel, is classical in style and there is even a drawing at the fromt of the book. R.F. Kaung puts the same detail into her descriptions of Canton, life on the Ship and the streets of Oxford and London; my mind was full of the sights and sounds of these places.

Babel is definitely one of my favourite books of the year, the focus on language, its power and development was just fascinating. What makes this book really special though is the writing of R.F Kaung, the attention to detail and the themes of identity, belonging and the harsh facts of Colonialism. This is truely a masterpice of a book, and at over five hundred pages a substantial read, but it is well worth taking the time to read it and lose yourself in the beautifuuly written pages and in Robin Swift’s story. Simply stunning!!.

I really enjoyed the masterpiece that was Babel. Admittedly it took me a while to get through thanks to the big and clever words but overall I loved the journey!

A stunning book. Rarely do I consider reading a book twice but I enjoyed this one so much, I definately will be revisiting it. This has to be one of my favourite books of the year. Highly recommended read.

R.F Kuang is one of the best fantasy writer of her generation even if the definition "fantasy writer" is not the best to describe her works as they're very complex and fascinating.
Babel is a fantasy, is dark academia, but it's also a political book about colonialism and how it involved the life of people who were involved.
It's a gripping and entertaining story but it's also thought provoking. There's world building and fantasy but there's also history and a vivid background.
I loved it and I have some difficulties in finding the words to express my love for this book.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the chance to read this e-arc; it was one of my most anticipated reads as RF Kuang is one of my favourite authors. I was really lucky to have met RF Kuang in Glagow and hear her take on the book and listen to her answer lots of questions which I feel gave me a deeper insight into the book. I initially thought that perhaps it would be too complicated for me to understand as Rebecca is just incredibly intelligent and I, at times, thought the book was quite daunting with the themes it was going to explore.

I would say that this is an incredibly well-done slow burn story. There is something magical about her writing where everything is thought out and deliberate. It begins very intriguing with a young boy from Canton left amongst his family who have died of cholera and a cold, distant man has ‘saved’ him. Then he begins his journey to England and learning under his ward, Professor Lovell. There is a lot of mystery in this book, in fact the whole book is a mystery until much deeper in the story, which is set in an alternate 1830s Oxford.

The themes of class, misogyny, colonialism, racism are expertly written and it feels like such an important book. I can’t put into words how well this was explored but I implore you to read this story.

I have loved being back in the Worlds of RF Kuang and look forward to her future works.

I can’t recommend this book highly enough, this book has the most amazing plot, the author covers sensitive issues like, colonialism, racism and issues in academia amongst others but she does it so brilliantly, as well as superbly and sensitively. The story is set in alternate 19th century Britain, where colonialism and the exploitation of other cultures keeps the magic running, the world building is fantastic, fits perfectly within its setting and the characters, they’re just so, real , so human , flaws and all. It’s one of my favourite books this year and may end up being the favourite

My thanks to HarperCollins U.K. Harper Voyager for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘Babel Or the Necessity of Violence: An Arcane History of the Oxford Translators’ Revolution’ by R.F. Kuang.

What an extraordinary novel! As I have been disappointed by a few highly anticipated fantasy novels this year, I approached ‘Babel’ with caution. However, right from its opening pages I found myself enthralled and completely caught up in its story, characters, and setting.

Having previously read Kuang’s ‘The Poppy War’ trilogy I probably should have had more faith as I had been impressed by her writing and skilful blend of history and fantasy.

‘Babel’ is a substantial novel in size and complex in its subject matter. As such it is difficult to summarise, so just a few details for context.

Oxford, 1836. In this alternative Victorian Britain, the city of dreaming spires is the nexus point of all knowledge and progress in the world. At its centre is Babel, the Royal Institute of Translation, the tower from which all the power of the Empire flows. Magic associated with enchanted silver has provided the foundation for the growth of the British Empire. Yet at what price?

As a young boy Robin Swift had been orphaned in Canton and brought to Britain by Professor Lovell, who takes on the role of guardian, albeit a stern one. Initially Robin receives private instruction in a variety of subjects, including languages, until he is ready to be admitted to Babel. There he bonds with a small group of his fellow ‘Babblers’. He inadvertently stumbles across a secret society and after learning of their goals agrees to aid them. Yet there are conflicting factors that will, as the full title indicates, eventually bring about a revolution.

With ‘Babel’ R.F. Kuang has written a powerful historical fantasy that unflinchingly addresses issues linked to colonialism and racism. It is bold yet sublime. I found her world building detailed and immaculate as its various aspects emerged organically.

Overall, I feel that ‘Babel’ is a masterpiece, a scholarly work of dark academia that boldly addresses the legacy of history. Without doubt ‘Babel’ is one of my top novels for 2022.

Very highly recommended.

Reading this book was a journey for me. I almost put it down at 40%, but then a month later picked it up again, and devoured the rest in a few days.
It is not an easy read, but it is not supposed to be. The story itself, even though based in a fantasy historical setting, deals with a plethora of real issues of the past and the present, like racism, colonization, sexism, intricacies of trade and education, forced migration and many more.

We follow a group of young scholars studying languages at the prestigious school in Oxford, called Babel. They are experts in translations, which in this version of England is the key to wielding the power of silver, a magical commodity that allowed people in power the wealth and control they now possess. The more we learn about silver, where it comes from and how it uses foreign languages, we begin to understand the dynamics between the English and the rest of the world.

Reading this story felt like something special, a modern classic, a book that future generations will read and study. I know I will gladly come back to this story and the characters in the future.

Babel is… beyond words.

Immersive, illustrious and simply incredible, I think this May by RF Kuang’s best writing yet.

Dark academia is one of my favourite vibes in books and I think Babel is one of the best I have ever read - the world, the writing, the fantasy, the fiction.

No review can capture this book so I will say simply - read it. You will not regret this masterpiece.

I finished Babel about a week ago and I’ve been struggling to put my reaction into words, it’s quite ironic really that a book about etymology and the power of words can leave you so speechless!
I won’t talk about the plot, to be honest it doesn’t do the book credit, this is a book you need to experience and so I will talk about how the book made me feel.

There’s always a danger reading a hyped up book because there is such an expectation that can put a lot of pressure on a book. Babel lives up to the hype, in fact it exceeds it. You start the book impressed, it’s clever, witty, engaging and Kuang does such a beautiful job demonstrating her research into word meanings and translation in a way that isn’t indulgent or intimidating but just fascinating and charming. Every piece fits so perfectly, I attended a talk with Kuang recently and even the explanation of why silver was used as a medium for the magic was just exquisite, with mercury being used for silver, Mercury (Greek God Hermes) being the god of translators. You read this book and it’s like you step into the cogs of Kuang’s brain, the passion, the excitement for words, is so evident on the page.
As the book goes on however, the true impact of language, of your native tongue and it’s role in your identity, of appropriation benefiting off of language while abusing the culture of it, of the stain in our history becomes more apparent. What I truly respect about Kuang is how brazenly she addresses colonialism and racism at every level, from direct, unashamed cruelty to the distance and differences in treatment and opportunities between friends, also looking at misogyny and how colour impacts this also. This book will make you uncomfortable because it challenges it’s readers, it speaks the truth many of us miss (or some refuse to acknowledge) and it does it in such a clever way.

Babel is by far my favourite Kuang book so far(although her latest project already fascinates me) and my favourite read of the year. It’s important, it’s powerful, it’s raw and brilliant and it stays with you long after the book closes. This is a book that not only makes you look at these characters and this world, but at your own world around you and your place and role in it. It’s a book that you can place yourself in, a world that is both exciting and different (the world building for Oxford is delightful, Oxford but with a Kuang twist) but also so utterly relatable and relevant. I would recommend and urge anyone to read this book, it’s a masterpiece on every level and not only leaves a mark on your thoughts but on your heart.

Thank you NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.

A perfect tapestry of linguistics, history, and magic to tell a story of anti-colonial justice and revolution. I'll be thinking about it for a very long time.

I'll be writing a longer piece for Babel magazine about trends of linguistics and translation in SFF published in 2022

I’m rendered almost speechless when contemplating this book and how to describe it adequately. A vastly reaching novel that will take time to sink in and will absolutely benefit (this humble reader anyway) from multiple re-reads.
Anyone familiar with Oxford will appreciate the primary setting of this novel and the location of the Royal Institute of Translation aka Babel nestling neatly between the Bodleian Library and the Sheldonian Theatre. At its heart the story encompasses etymology, love, friendship, greed and power, colonialization and revolution. Very powerful subjects wrapped in the most intellectual backstory.
Read other reviews if you want a precis of the storyline – I say just read it, it’s a masterpiece.

FWIW I think classing it as dark academia will pigeon-hole it when it is actually of far wider appeal.

It is clear from the very start that R. F. Kuang dedicated her time to this book.
Her prose is beautifully written once again and I adored the translation and etymology throughout.

This book is genius, I wish I had the capacity to remember everything Kuang wrote down, but alas I am not a Babel student.

Overall a great read, I highly recommend if you're interested in languages and their meanings.
It's worth noting that the magic is very minimal in this story, it reads much more like an historical fiction.

A refreshing addition to the dark academia genre, this is a fascinating blend of history and fantasy, which deals with themes of colonialism and identity. While some of the more repetitive scenes and conversations could have been cut, and some of the supporting characters more fully fleshed out, overall this was a fun and engaging read.