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Babel

By: R. F. Kuang
Narrated by: Chris Lew Kum Hoi, Billie Fulford-Brown
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Publisher's Summary

THE #2 SUNDAY TIMES AND #1 NYT BESTSELLER

Traduttore, traditore: An act of translation is always an act of betrayal.

Oxford, 1836.

The city of dreaming spires.

It is the centre of all knowledge and progress in the world.

And at its centre is Babel, the Royal Institute of Translation. The tower from which all the power of the Empire flows.

Orphaned in Canton and brought to England by a mysterious guardian, Babel seemed like paradise to Robin Swift.

Until it became a prison…

But can a student stand against an empire?

An incendiary novel from award-winning author R. F. Kuang about the power of language, the violence of colonialism, and the sacrifices of resistance.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2022 R.F. Kuang (P)2022 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Critic Reviews

"Kuang has crafted a masterpiece that resonates with power and knowledge. Babel is a stark picture of the cruelty of empire, a distillation of dark academia, and a riveting blend of fantasy and historical fiction – a monumental achievement, from the footnotes to the final page." (Samantha Shannon, author of Priory of The Orange Tree)

"Ambitious, sweeping and epic." (Evening Standard)

"An ingenious fantasy about empire’." (Guardian)

What listeners say about Babel

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brilliant book, really, really clever

I have never consumed a book so profound in its ability to expose the true horror of extractive colonial capture using such a clever blend of fantasy and fact. one of the most intelligent historical fiction books i have listened to. the narrators were terrific

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  • Eli
  • 10-05-2023

Great book, incredible performance

Overall, the book was really great! Amazingly written with a lot of skill put in place, particularly around translation and the magic system overall. Story progresses at a good pace, rather chill read in the story regard. The performance really enhanced this book and made it 1000% more gripping. The voice actors really sold it in all aspects - worth getting even if just to listen to them.

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Great book: excellent mix of fantasy and real themes that make you think

A great fantasy book that doesn’t shy away from real themes of violence, racism and colonialism. Makes you think, and learn - great use of language. I very much enjoyed the performance on audiobook.

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Brilliant book

I learnt so many more words and their origins fascinating. An intelligent read well worth the time.

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Best Narration on Audible!

I never write reviews but this audiobook was outstanding!!!!

The book itself was full of word building and language that appeals to the book lover in everyone, but the execution of the narration just took it to the next level!

You won’t be disappointed

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Fabulous Historic Fantasy

Addictive tale of English politics and the horror of the Opium Wars. Remember.

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Wow!

While this story starts off slow and I wondered where it was going, boy does the pace pick up!
A really powerful story about racism and revolution.
An awesome read!

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Best book of the year!

Could not recommend this more strongly! Narration was fantastic and the book itself is a masterpiece

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Excellent

It’s been a while since I’ve read anything new that should be immediately put onto school reading lists. Babel would make a fabulous addition to any school curriculum.

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Wonderful

What an engaging story! I didn’t want it to end, but was desperate to know how it would. I will miss Robin Swift very much.

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