Babel R. F. Kuang

Babel, or The Necessity of Violence: An Arcane History of the Oxford Translators’ Revolution, by R.F. Kuang, is a genre-defying dark academia fantasy novel that delves deeply into themes of language, colonialism, and resistance. Set in an alternate 19th-century England, the story follows Robin Swift, an orphan from Canton brought to London and groomed to attend Oxford University’s prestigious Royal Institute of Translation—known as Babel.

At Babel, scholars harness the magical power of translation through silver-working, a craft that transforms linguistic nuance into practical and supernatural effects. As Robin hones his linguistic talents, he begins to question the ethics of the British Empire’s exploitation of translation and silver-working to consolidate global dominance.

Struggling with loyalty to the institution that has given him purpose and the revolutionary ideals that challenge its foundations, Robin becomes entangled in a fierce conflict. The novel examines the intersections of language, power, identity, and the cost of rebellion in the face of systemic oppression.

Through its richly imagined setting and profound philosophical inquiries, Babel offers a searing critique of imperialism and the sacrifices required for justice and revolution.