New fantasy novel 'Babel' explores translation as a tool of imperialism

On a balmy summer evening this August, fantasy fans are lined up outside the Brattle Theatre in Cambridge, Mass., to hear Rebecca F. Kuang speak about her new book, "Babel: An Arcane History of the Oxford Translators' Revolution."

Kuang, who is best known for the gut-wrenching "Poppy War" fantasy trilogy, explores translation as a tool of imperialism in “Babel.”

In line for the book launch, Leah Drago, a long time reader of Kuang’s work, brimmed with excitement.

“Every book that I've read by [Kuang] I haven't wanted to put down, even though they're soul crushing and heartbreaking,” Drago says. “I thank her for crushing my soul as many times as she has.”