Reviews - Yellowface | The StoryGraph

79.1k reviews for:

RF Kuang said something at a talk once where she said, “reading is not political. It’s what you do with it after that is.” I feel like this book really encourages readers to embrace that.

I understand ~why~ this book exists, and I appreciate it deeply for being a book that gives a lot of people a mirror to see the racism that exists around them every single day. I love seeing bad people suffer for being shitty humans. Kuang’s writing is just as witty as usual, and appropriately curt for the book. the issues I have with this book are not necessarily an issue with the book. I do not think satire really works for me. I am not sure if people find this to be heavy handed, or if it’s an appropriate amount because Satire.

just an okay experience for me, but an important read nonetheless!

bigspider's review against another edition

5.0

r f kuang is an amazing writer omg this book was so good

north312's review against another edition

5.0

challenging emotional funny tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Funniest book in the world, 10/10, I have met people like this in real life

mepearedpages's review against another edition

4.0

challenging emotional funny mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Yellowface packs so much into one fast read—jealousy, entitlement, and the desperation tied to the writing process. The way it shows social media as this endless spiral of validation-seeking, outrage, and self-destruction is both fascinating and horrifying. And then there’s the exploration of diversity and ownership—who gets to tell which stories, and what happens when that line is crossed. Plus those slightly unhinged, deranged moments where you’re like… oh no, she’s really doing this.

You read it in a day for a reason—it’s messy, sharp, uncomfortably funny, and kind of a train wreck you can’t look away from.