Babel

About Babel

Step into the captivating world of "Babel" by the award-winning author R.F. Kuang, a #2 Sunday Times and #1 NYT Bestseller. Set in Oxford in 1836, this incendiary novel plunges readers into the heart of the Royal Institute of Translation, known as Babel – the very core of global knowledge and imperial power. Robin Swift, an orphan brought from Canton, initially views Babel as a sanctuary, a paradise of learning. However, he soon discovers it to be a gilded cage, forcing him to confront the profound ethical dilemmas of translation and its complicity in colonial expansion.

Kuang masterfully weaves a narrative that explores the power of language, the insidious violence of colonialism, and the sacrifices inherent in resistance. "Babel" is a riveting blend of dark academia and historical fantasy, earning praise as "ambitious, sweeping and epic" by the Evening Standard and "one for Philip Pullman fans" by The Times. It's a monumental achievement that resonates with contemporary themes, challenging readers to consider the true cost of empire and the betrayals inherent in acts of translation. This paperback edition, published in 2023, is a must-read for anyone seeking thought-provoking and immersive fiction.

Key Details

• Author: R.F. Kuang
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
• Cover Type: Paperback
• Language: English
• Year Published: 2023
• Pages: 560

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