Babel, or The Necessity of Violence

“History isn't a remade tapestry that we've got to suffer, a closed world with no exit. We can form it. Make it. We just have to chose to make it.”

I have a lot of complex thoughts about this book. This was definitely a slow burn book, one of my favourite styles to read, purely because it forces you to take in every word that is on the page - and this was definitely a book that required you to take in every word on the page. I found myself constantly conflicted on who to believe, what to think and how to feel. Who wouldn't want that in a book?

The story touches upon many important topics such as slavery, colonialism, striking, racism, death and so much more. The magic system was unique and amazingly written, I absolutely loved learning about all the different etymologies of words and how words were linked in surprising and unseemly ways. It showed how important the power of language is but also how potent the greed for power can be.

It read similarly to Kuang's other book, The Poppy War, which had be equally as hooked and as equally hungry for more. Unfortunately, as far as I am aware this is a standalone novel.

I saw a quote where someone called this a “love-hate letter to academia” and I couldn't agree more. It really makes you think how much of British “culture” and “academia” is something that has been stolen by those who don't have the power to fight back. It shows the importance of the ongoing strikes that are happening in the UK at the moment and sheds light onto the corruption that has infested our roots. As for what the future will entail? This book has made me believe that something drastic has to happen before we see true change, and that is only the beginning.