Babel: An Arcane History

Babel is set in an alternate version of 19th-century Oxford and follows Robin Swift, a Chinese orphan who is brought to England to study at Babel, the Royal Institute of Translation. The school specializes in the art of translation, where words can wield power and influence the world. Robin struggles with her identity and the cultural dissonance she faces in a foreign land. As she delves deeper into the politics of language and imperialism, she learns that the power of translation comes with a heavy price. When she becomes involved in a revolution against the British Empire, Robin must confront the moral implications of her education and the cost of resistance. The novel is a profound exploration of colonialism, identity, and the power dynamics of language, weaving in elements of fantasy and historical fiction.