In this episode of In Bed With Books, I’m joined by my friend Michelle Craft for a chat about our recent buddy read, Babel by R.F. Kuang.

We start the conversation with a close reading of the full title, Babel, or The Necessity of Violence: An Arcane History of the Oxford Translator’s Revolution, asking what we can consider violence, and how it builds on itself. Kuang’s commentary on colonialism and empire, its exploration of language as power and the emotional destruction of the ending (yes, there be spoilers), feels like just the beginning of this conversation.

Tune in as Michelle and I also take a look at some of the biggest critiques of the book - its over-intellectualized style, as well as the accusation of it being too obvious, and how those things can both exist in the novel. Kuang’s homage to 19th century writing shines in this, and Michelle and I have a blast talking about how that, as well as the choice to write the story through Robin’s eyes, drive home the dark academia vibes and the inevitability of the novel’s conclusion.

Whether you loved Babel, were haunted by it, or are on the fence about the delivery of its message, have a listen.

You can learn more about Michelle and her work here: https://www.soulhealingwithmichelle.com/

If you have an author, book, or topic you want to hear about on the podcast, then don't hesitate to slide into my DMs on Instagram or shoot me an email!

Subscribe to my newsletter to keep up to date on the latest podcast happenings: https://in-bed-with-books.kit.com/76d11f1d51

Where else to find me:

IG: @inbedwithbookspod

YT: https://www.youtube.com/@InBedWithBooksPod

EM: [email protected]