Last update : 11/19/24
Author : R. F. Kuang
Length : 21h46
Narrated by : Chris Lew Kum Hoi, Billie Fulford-Brown
Category : Genre Fiction
Possibility of free reading : YES
In 1828, Robin Swift, left an orphan by cholera in Canton, is transported to London by the enigmatic Professor Lovell. Here, he undergoes years of training in Latin, Ancient Greek, and Chinese, all in anticipation of the day he’ll join Oxford University’s esteemed Royal Institute of Translation—also known as Babel.
Babel is the global hub for translation and, more significantly, magic. Silver working—the craft of manifesting the meaning lost in translation using enchanted silver bars—has rendered the British unmatched in power, as its knowledge aids the Empire’s colonization ambitions.
For Robin, Oxford represents a utopia committed to the pursuit of knowledge. However, knowledge submits to power, and as a Chinese boy brought up in Britain, Robin realizes that serving Babel equates to betraying his homeland. As his studies advance, Robin finds himself torn between Babel and the elusive Hermes Society, a group committed to halting imperial expansion. When Britain instigates an unjust war with China over silver and opium, Robin is faced with a decision…
Can influential institutions be transformed from within, or does revolution invariably necessitate violence?
I hope that you’ll be able to spend time with your family as they hopefully recover, as for an audiobook I’d recommend Babel: An Arcane History. It’s a really good magical realism book about the British Colonial efforts towards China as well as how colonialism effects language.
— ksiM (@muttonsandwich) February 28, 2024
Embark on a journey through "Babel", a compelling narrative by R.F. Kuang, that weaves together themes of power, betrayal, and the complexities of language. This gripping story, masterfully narrated by Chris Lew Kum Hoi and Billie Fulford-Brown, spans over 21 hours and 46 minutes, drawing listeners into a world where translation shapes reality and magic underpins empire.
Delve into this historical fantasy with a free trial period, allowing you to immerse yourself without commitment, knowing you can cancel anytime. "Babel" explores the intricate dance between knowledge and power through the eyes of Robin Swift, an orphan taken from Canton to the heart of the British Empire's scholarly and magical prowess at Oxford's Babel.
Retain the magic of "Babel" even after your journey concludes or if you decide to cancel the subscription. Your voyage through the halls of power, language, and rebellion remains with you. For assistance on navigating subscription options, a guide to the cancellation process can be found at the bottom of this page. Join the ranks of those enthralled by Kuang's latest masterpiece, and let "Babel" redefine your understanding of magic and empire.