Wheaton Teen Book Club

Babel, or the Necessity of Violence by R F Kuang

Join us as we read and discuss Babel, or the Necessity of Violence by R F Kuang

From award-winning author R. F. Kuang comes Babel, or the Necessity of Violence. 

In this unforgettable work of dark academia that grapples with student revolutions, colonial resistance, and the use of language and translation as the dominating tool of the British empire.1828. Robin Swift, orphaned by cholera in Canton, is brought to London by the mysterious Professor Lovell. There, he trains for years in Latin, Ancient Greek, and Chinese, all in preparation for the day he’ll enroll in Oxford University’s prestigious Royal Institute of Translation―also known as Babel.

Babel is the world's center for translation and, more importantly, magic. The unique magic system of silver working―the art of manifesting the meaning lost in translation using enchanted silver bars―has made the British unparalleled in power, as its knowledge serves the Empire’s quest for colonization.

For Robin, Oxford is a utopia dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge. But knowledge obeys power, and as a Chinese boy raised in Britain, Robin realizes serving Babel means betraying his motherland. As his studies progress, Robin finds himself caught between Babel and the shadowy Hermes Society, a secret society dedicated to stopping imperial expansion. When Britain pursues an unjust war with China over silver and opium, Robin must decide…

Love stories that make you think, laugh, or stay up way too late reading? Join our Teen Book Club! Each month we’ll dive into a new book, share thoughts, and hang out with other readers. No homework vibes—just good books, good conversation, and snacks. Open to all teens—come even if you didn’t finish the book!

This month, come with your suggestions for future books/meetings, or answer the question below!

Questions about this program? Contact the branch @240-777-0678

Check out the MCPL teen page for resources and programs for Teens - MCPL (montgomerycountymd.gov)

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Accommodation Requests

People who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing should request English-language captioning or sign-language interpretation at least five days before the library-sponsored program they plan to attend. Contact the Assistant Facilities and Accessibility Program Manager at 240-777-0002 with all other accommodation requests.

cm 1.1 01/03/2023

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