Babel Or the Necessity of Violence An Arcane History of The Oxford Translators' Revolution By R. F. Kuang (2022)

"Babel" by R.F. Kuang is an instant #1 New York Times Bestseller that offers a thematic response to The Secret History and a tonal retort to Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell. Set in 1828, the story follows Robin Swift, an orphan from Canton who is brought to London by Professor Lovell. Trained in Latin, Ancient Greek, and Chinese, Robin prepares to enroll in Oxford University's Royal Institute of Translation, also known as Babel.

Babel is the world's center for translation and magic, where the art of silver working—manifesting meaning lost in translation using enchanted silver bars—has made the British unparalleled in power. As Robin navigates his studies at Oxford, he grapples with the tension between serving Babel and betraying his motherland, China. Caught between Babel and the Hermes Society, an organization dedicated to stopping imperial expansion, Robin faces a critical decision when Britain initiates an unjust war with China over silver and opium.

As Robin delves deeper into the complexities of power and revolution, he must confront whether change can be achieved through peaceful means or if violence is inevitable. "Babel" is a thought-provoking exploration of colonial resistance, language, and the pursuit of knowledge amidst the backdrop of historical turmoil.