Teresa
An interesting book that deals with racism, sexism, empire, and colonialism. This book is set in England in the 1830’s when the system of power benefited only the few at the top of the political food chain.
This book follows the life of Robin Swift, a half Chinese young man, who is taken from his home by a man who becomes his “mentor”. This man indoctrinates Robin into his new life. A life where he is expected to learn silver work, the ability to use words to provide power to run the empire, at the The Translation Institute, also known as Babel, at Oxford. Robin meets others like himself, ones who have been taken under the wing of those in power and expected to learn the craft to benefit the Empire.
This book brings up many important questions that need to be asked. When does one realize that they have lost their identity? When someone promises you everything you have dreamed of, what are you willing to let go of to have it? Can you let go of what makes you unique? What is the cost of suffering? What do you abandon to survive a system that is offers you everything you have ever dreamed of, but constantly keeps it just out of reach? Can the system be changed peacefully or must it be changed violently? Can a person truly improve their life if the system is designed to keep them limited and controlled?
The themes of racism, sexism, colonialism, and dehumanization are explored in this book. Foreigners as well as poor natives are seen as an underclass in the society that Babel presents. The both are seen as resources to be exploited by those in charge.
A thoughtful and provocative book. One I recommend.
An interesting book that deals with racism, sexism, empire, and colonialism. This book is set in England in the 1830’s when the system of power benefited only the few at the top of the political food chain.
This book follows the life of Robin Swift, a half Chinese young man, who is taken from his home by a man who becomes his “mentor”. This man indoctrinates Robin into his new life. A life where he is expected to learn silver work, the ability to use words to provide power to run the empire, at the The Translation Institute, also known as Babel, at Oxford. Robin meets others like himself, ones who have been taken under the wing of those in power and expected to learn the craft to benefit the Empire.
This book brings up many important questions that need to be asked. When does one realize that they have lost their identity? When someone promises you everything you have dreamed of, what are you willing to let go of to have it? Can you let go of what makes you unique? What is the cost of suffering? What do you abandon to survive a system that is offers you everything you have ever dreamed of, but constantly keeps it just out of reach? Can the system be changed peacefully or must it be changed violently? Can a person truly improve their life if the system is designed to keep them limited and controlled?
The themes of racism, sexism, colonialism, and dehumanization are explored in this book. Foreigners as well as poor natives are seen as an underclass in the society that Babel presents. The both are seen as resources to be exploited by those in charge.
A thoughtful and provocative book. One I recommend.