Babel

Set in an alternate 1830s Oxford, the story follows Robin Swift, a Chinese orphan brought to London to study at the prestigious Royal Institute of Translation, known as Babel. Here, silver-working-a magical craft powered by the loss of meaning in translation-fuels the British Empire's expansion. As Robin navigates the academic world, he realizes that his work supports the colonization of his homeland. This ambitious novel explores the intersections of language, power, and revolution, questioning the cost of progress and the weight of loyalty.

Widely read around the world. Estimated 7 million readers.