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Babel by R. F. Kuang is a sweeping historical fantasy set in 1836 Oxford at the Royal Institute of Translation. Blending dark academia with imperial critique, it follows orphaned Robin Swift as he becomes a translator wielding colonial power—and ultimately questioning the empire he serves. A #1 New York Times bestseller (week of September 11, 2022), the paperback edition from Voyager UK (Jan 17, 2024) spans 560 pages, weighs ~370 g, and captures the brutal beauty of empire through a literary lens.
Why Buy:
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Literature with substance—a powerful narrative combining fantasy, history, and postcolonial critique.
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Dark academia at its peak—immersive setting, linguistic magic, and intellectual drama.
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Critically acclaimed & widely popular—reached #1 on major bestseller lists.
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Ideal for book lovers—appeals to readers of fantasy, historical fiction, college intrigue, and literary activism.