Ken's Updates

"My grey cells are on fire! They’re completely out of order because of information overload. I never imagined there was this much to discover about the importance of linguistics! Okay, maybe I did know it deep down, but this book powerfully reminded me of it.

I haven’t read a book as intelligent, intellectual, unconventional, moving, and unique as Babel in a very long time.

This is an extraordinary reading experience that explores the power of language while delivering exemplary criticism of colonialism, along with a strikingly bold examination of class differences, racism, and nationalism. It feels like stunning nonfiction seamlessly blended with fantasy and dark academia.

The character development is exceptional. Every single character is portrayed impeccably. Robin Swift warms your heart with his kindness, intelligence, and constant moral struggles from the very beginning. Should he instinctively help the thieves, even at the risk of losing every opportunity he has been given?

Ramy Mirza is quick witted, sharp, sarcastic, and endlessly fascinating. As an Indian student, he is constantly targeted by privileged, obnoxious Oxford students because of his appearance and background.

Victoire is observant, extraordinarily intelligent, overqualified, tough, and an absolute badass warrior fighting tooth and nail to survive.

And then there’s Letty, the most privileged and initially the least likable character. Yet somehow, she slowly gets under your skin. Her straightforwardness and sharp observations affect you deeply, and eventually you begin to resonate with her.

These four main characters are all outsiders, chosen to sharpen their abilities at Oxford’s Royal Institute of Translation, otherwise known as the “Tower of Babel,” a prestigious institution protecting silver-working secrets and valuable manuscripts gathered from around the world to be translated into English.

Robin, Ramy, Letty, and Victoire are specifically selected because of their linguistic talents and their experiences as minorities. Robin and Ramy cannot truly become Oxford men; they can only ever be men at Oxford. Meanwhile, the girls are forced to live far away from the main campus and are constantly treated unequally.

Robin’s immigration story, his move to London, his complicated relationship with the cold and loveless Lovell, and the mystery surrounding the boy he replaced create one of the novel’s most compelling storylines, perfectly interwoven with the journeys of the other three characters.

Overall, the entire complex execution is truly mind blowing! If you enjoy linguistics, politics, history, fantasy, and dark academia, this book is a perfect match for you.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for sharing this amazing digital review copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts."