Babel follows the life of Robin Swift, an orphaned Chinese boy who is brought to England to study languages at the Royal Institute of Translation, Babel, in 1836 Oxford. He grapples with Babel’s role in colonialism and the violence it perpetuates. Babel is not just a place of learning but a centre for magical silver-working, a key component of British imperial power, as well. Robin joins the Hermes society, a group that undermines Babel’s colonial agenda.
I really enjoyed this book. I listened to the audiobook and it really is a thought provoking novel. I recommend it!
Read for The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge 2025
Prompt 36: Final Sentence is Less Than 6 Words Long
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
