The main character of Babel by R.F. Kuang is Robin who has a rough time for a lot of the novel. Most of the time I just wanted to give Robin a hug. While that wasn’t possible, I could give Robin the plain scones he craves and almost never gets.
He and Mrs. Piper quickly bonded over a deep love of scones. She made them every which way–plain, served with a bit of clotted cream and raspberry jam; savoury and studded with cheese and garlic chives; or dotted through with bits of dried fruit. Robin liked them best plain–why ruin what was, in his opinion, perfect from conception? He had just learned about Platonic forms, and was convinced scones were the Platonic ideal of bread.
Babel by R.F. Kuang
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Professor Lovell liked plain scones the least, though, so sultana scones were the staple of their afternoon teas.
Watch my Babel reel here!
Babel is a historical fantasy, dark academia novel with philosophical roots.
Babel follows orphan Robin Swift who as a young boy is brought to England from Canton. Robin is educated and trained to attend Oxford where he will join Babel, the most prestigious translators who manage the country’s magic system that runs on silver and languages. Through Robin’s maneuverings in Oxford society, Babel explores facets of privilege as Robin faces discrimination in some areas yet acceptance in others.
The novel is driven by complicated, imperfect characters, with Robin at the heart. Robin struggles with wanting to enjoy his place at Oxford while also acknowledging how Babel drives England and its colonialism. The story is heart wrenching and beautiful and all I can think about is reading it again.
Babel is also a philosophical response to The Secret History. The relationship is loose and you do not need to have read one to understand or appreciate the other, but I did love reading them in relationship to one another.
I baked plain scones for Robin since he always got raisin scones while living with his guardian. This recipe is so easy and delicious. Before this recipe, any scones I tried were dry, flavorless, and truly disappointing. But these are rich, moist, crumbly, and just so yummy.
Do you have a favorite dark academia novel?
Novel Bakery 
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