Any form of writing is a dialogue between the writer and the reader. In fiction, particularly, the writer cannot help but leach their opinions into thAny form of writing is a dialogue between the writer and the reader. In fiction, particularly, the writer cannot help but leach their opinions into the story they write; however, I find it important to temper one's own opinions with foils and other devices to allow the reader an opportunity to think about what is being said and form their own opinion. Babel offers none of this. The author is so ideologically driven and so incredibly dogmatic it leaves no room for dialogue. This novel is a hate-filled diatribe against colonialism and nothing more. It offers no nuance. It offers no understanding of intersectionality. It offers no consideration of any form. Anyone who might disagree with the author is automatically evil, that is what this book says.
There are far better historical fiction novels as well as historical fantasies that deal with this topic in much, much better ways and offer food for thought instead of proselytizing hatred....more
I have read far better fae portal fantasies, far better Beauty and the Beast retellings, far better fantasy romances. This novel was mediocre at best I have read far better fae portal fantasies, far better Beauty and the Beast retellings, far better fantasy romances. This novel was mediocre at best and a real disappointment after all the hype. I guess if I was starting out with fantasy, it might have been entertaining, but as a seasoned fantasy reader this really didn't do anything for me and the MC grated on me. I finished it, but honestly, I wish I hadn't....more
I find Conrad's depiction of Africa and Africans unenlightened and downright repulsive. There are other books by this author that are so much better rI find Conrad's depiction of Africa and Africans unenlightened and downright repulsive. There are other books by this author that are so much better researched, don't tout his unrestrained prejudice and are quite simply much better stories. Don't waste your time on this one. "Nostromo" (for example) is a better book by this author to invest time and energy into....more
I was highly disappointed and still kept reading, but it simply didn't get any better. This is not a story using the "reluctant hero" trope. The main I was highly disappointed and still kept reading, but it simply didn't get any better. This is not a story using the "reluctant hero" trope. The main character refuses to go on her own adventure to the point where she has to get kidnapped and is forced to go on it. If the so-called hero isn't interested in their own story and whines about it the entire time, then why should I care about it? ...more
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