Babel by R. F. Kuang

A masterpiece that tackles the difficult topic of colonialism as it expertly weaves in a magical element to 19th century Oxford, this book took my breath away.

As a nerd, the parts on etymology also blew my mind. The story centres around 4 firm friends hailing from vastly different backgrounds, and how their paths eventually led them apart.

A cult classic, I highly recommend it to everyone, especially those from countries affected by colonialism and linguistic nerds that love a good story with a tiny splash of magic.