Babel by R. F. Kuang
Or the Necessity of Violence: An Arcane History of the Oxford Translators' Revolution
This novel is a dark academic fantasy set in an alternate 19th-century Oxford, where translation is the key to harnessing magical power. It follows the journey of an orphan from Canton, who, after a tragic loss, is brought to England and later admitted into the prestigious Royal Institute of Translation, known as Babel. There, he discovers the true cost of the empire's linguistic dominance and magical control. As tensions rise and loyalties are tested, the protagonist must navigate a complex web of colonialism, power, and rebellion, ultimately confronting the oppressive structures of the institute and the empire it serves. The narrative weaves together themes of language, knowledge, and resistance, challenging the foundations of power and the price of progress.
The 4597th greatest book of all time
- Published
- 2022
- Nationality
- American
- Length
- Long
- Pages
- 545
- Original Language
- English
- Avg User Rating
-
(4.0)
- Alternate Titles
-
- Babel, Czyli O Konieczności Przemocy
- Babel, Or The Necessity Of Violence
- Babel: Or the Necessity of Violence
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This book is on the following 8 lists:
- 76th on 100 Best Books of the 21st Century (Book Enthusiast Substack)
- 121st on Honorable Mention - The 25 Masterpieces of World Literature That Will Define the 21st Century (25-250) (Télérama)
- 1221st on Our Users' Honorable Mention Favorite Books of All Time (The Greatest Books Users)
- 7 Essential Authors Recommend Their 7 Essential Sci-Fi and Fantasy Books (Powell's Books)
- An Updated Canon: 72 Books Every Man Should Read (InsideHook)
- Ezra Klein Show's Most Recommended Books (Ezra Klein Show)
- Nebula Award (Nebula Awards)
- Top 100 Books of the 21st-Century (This House of Books)