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gia0203's review against another edition
challenging
dark
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
What a book! I devoured it in a day. I was often so enraged that I had to look away from the page - my partner can testify to the irritated noises I kept making.
There was a lot of nuance in this book and I think it gave me a new perspective on intersectionality and white privilege. The protagonists complete unawareness of her own subconscious bias is so frustrating and yet every single white person, like myself, is guilty on some level of the same thing.
Also, the sheer amount of microaggressions, packed into this book is astounding! Some are obvious and some are not so much, and there will be some that, coming from a white lens, I won’t even have noticed.
It took a while for the ending to click with me, but once it did I thought it was genius. Those last two pages were just incredible, and in general the unravelling of the protagonist’s life was so satisfying. I like how you have to come to your own conclusions about what happened to her.
I have a lot of thoughts on this book, some highlights of the book for me were:
June’s love-hate toxic homoerotic relationship with Athena
The scene where June goes to that association club and feels deeply ashamed and embarrassed (as she should). I feel like that scene sums up the book as a whole.
The scene where June finishes The Last Front - it’s like you’re seeing into her mind as she writes! It’s an incredible few pages, it feels so real
Athena’s writing method and the controversy surrounding it - particularly when June was raped. This really elevated the novel as it added a complexity and nuance to the narrative, which before that was very direct and on the nose (I liked that too though!)
The way June’s inner monologue became increasingly more xenophobic as she gets away with more and more.
And finally, the scene where June refuses to get a sensitivity reader. I feel like this scene also sums up the book as a whole, and it’s one of the moments which directly defies the narrative June is trying to convince you of.
I read this for a social group in June so I’m excited to talk about it then.
There was a lot of nuance in this book and I think it gave me a new perspective on intersectionality and white privilege. The protagonists complete unawareness of her own subconscious bias is so frustrating and yet every single white person, like myself, is guilty on some level of the same thing.
Also, the sheer amount of microaggressions, packed into this book is astounding! Some are obvious and some are not so much, and there will be some that, coming from a white lens, I won’t even have noticed.
It took a while for the ending to click with me, but once it did I thought it was genius. Those last two pages were just incredible, and in general the unravelling of the protagonist’s life was so satisfying. I like how you have to come to your own conclusions about what happened to her.
June’s love-hate toxic homoerotic relationship with Athena
The scene where June goes to that association club and feels deeply ashamed and embarrassed (as she should). I feel like that scene sums up the book as a whole.
The scene where June finishes The Last Front - it’s like you’re seeing into her mind as she writes! It’s an incredible few pages, it feels so real
Athena’s writing method and the controversy surrounding it - particularly when June was raped. This really elevated the novel as it added a complexity and nuance to the narrative, which before that was very direct and on the nose (I liked that too though!)
The way June’s inner monologue became increasingly more xenophobic as she gets away with more and more.
And finally, the scene where June refuses to get a sensitivity reader. I feel like this scene also sums up the book as a whole, and it’s one of the moments which directly defies the narrative June is trying to convince you of.
I read this for a social group in June so I’m excited to talk about it then.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Xenophobia
Moderate: Death, Grief, Rape, Cultural appropriation, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
willow_axolotl376's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia, Racism, and Death
Moderate: Alcohol, Sexual assault, War, Suicidal thoughts, and Rape
katrinalamothe's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Colonisation, Toxic friendship, Racism, Cultural appropriation, Death, Xenophobia, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Gaslighting, Slavery, Emotional abuse, War, Cursing, Misogyny, Sexual violence, Bullying, Grief, Panic attacks/disorders, Racial slurs, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Sexism, Alcohol, Death of parent, Mental illness, Rape, Sexual assault, Stalking, and Vomit
Minor: Islamophobia, Medical content, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
csolano's review against another edition
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I loved this book! My only critique is that I personally felt that I might have preferred the ending be left to interpretation. I totally thought it was an epic cliffhanger ending, but then there was a wrap up chapter.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Xenophobia and Stalking
Minor: Suicidal thoughts and Grief
richy_qu33r_readzz's review
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
An expertly written narrative voice that probably could be sympathic to Karens, but always takes it that one sentence too far. The self-justifications are a huge learning opportunity for would-be allies to BIPOC. And hopefully those readers listen to the justifications that make for problematic lines of thought and see the racism that truly exists, even within ourselves. It really feels like you’re in the mind of a white woman who is just too self-absorbed to be bothered with really caring about other people. It’s cringe, in a very real and needed way. Reminds me of my own problematic thought patterns I’m always working on dismantling.
Disliking the narrator is always makes for an uncomfortable read and R. F. Kuang uses this tool to its full advantage. Her writing is a psychological feat while also being witty and instructive. I Learned lots about the publishing & professional writers world, and how much I do not want to be a part of it. I Felt a bit queer-baited into this read, so let’s be clear; it’s not at all queer. There’s a few mentions but more a fact of life and one gross moment that follows t.a.t.u’s legacy.
Disliking the narrator is always makes for an uncomfortable read and R. F. Kuang uses this tool to its full advantage. Her writing is a psychological feat while also being witty and instructive. I Learned lots about the publishing & professional writers world, and how much I do not want to be a part of it. I Felt a bit queer-baited into this read, so let’s be clear; it’s not at all queer. There’s a few mentions but more a fact of life and one gross moment that follows t.a.t.u’s legacy.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Homophobia, Death, Racism, and Xenophobia
bekkah_co's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The irony of writing a review for this book is not lost on me. I had been wanting to read this book when it was first was released, but I ended up being too busy to get around to it. Honestly, when it came out, I probably would have had the time to read it. R.F. Kuang's writing is once again something that mesmerizes me.
Yellowface was a fast read. Kuang blended suspense well with her commentary on racism, institutionalized issues within the publishing communities, and cancel culture. June Hayward was a character that you love to hate and hate to love. She is complex but ultimately has some of the most upsetting, but genuine actions and reactions. June, despite trying her best to integrate herself as an AAPI ally, always seems to fall short in the eyes of the internet (and, depending on your perspective, Yellowface 's readers). Her actions throughout the book are a combination of "That makes sense." and "What the actual hell? Why would you do that?" June is, like most of Kuang's characters, painfully human.
Kuang refers to this book as "the roiling schadenfreude of watching a Twitter meltdown", and I could not agree more. There were times I had to stop myself and try to think if this had actually happened on Twitter. Every interaction in this book feels alive. It feels like you're watching this happen in front of you, refreshing the Twitter feed for the latest piece of hot gossip. It's fascinating being with the "Cancelled" and seeing their interactions to being "Cancelled". Yellowface had me questioning where my stances are regarding who can or cannot write what. It is one of those books meant to challenge and to give you an opportunity to look at a reality of a world often shrouded away by mystique and consumerism.
The one thing I believe that Yellowface struggled a bit with is the usage of mouthpieces. Outside of June, the rest of the characters mentioned in this book fell flat. They were merely the personification of their internet sect. This book was very much so spelled out for you. A lot of that is due to June living the experience and literally spelling out what is happening, and why she has issues with the "Twitterati". While sometimes, it is necessary to be heavy-handed with what is happening, sometimes it's good to leave some subtext.
Despite these critiques, I found myself enjoying Yellowface immensely. This book was witty and uncomfortable. It was a prosed trainwreck I could not pull my eyes away from. I loved every minute of it.
Yellowface was a fast read. Kuang blended suspense well with her commentary on racism, institutionalized issues within the publishing communities, and cancel culture. June Hayward was a character that you love to hate and hate to love. She is complex but ultimately has some of the most upsetting, but genuine actions and reactions. June, despite trying her best to integrate herself as an AAPI ally, always seems to fall short in the eyes of the internet (and, depending on your perspective, Yellowface 's readers). Her actions throughout the book are a combination of "That makes sense." and "What the actual hell? Why would you do that?" June is, like most of Kuang's characters, painfully human.
Kuang refers to this book as "the roiling schadenfreude of watching a Twitter meltdown", and I could not agree more. There were times I had to stop myself and try to think if this had actually happened on Twitter. Every interaction in this book feels alive. It feels like you're watching this happen in front of you, refreshing the Twitter feed for the latest piece of hot gossip. It's fascinating being with the "Cancelled" and seeing their interactions to being "Cancelled". Yellowface had me questioning where my stances are regarding who can or cannot write what. It is one of those books meant to challenge and to give you an opportunity to look at a reality of a world often shrouded away by mystique and consumerism.
The one thing I believe that Yellowface struggled a bit with is the usage of mouthpieces. Outside of June, the rest of the characters mentioned in this book fell flat. They were merely the personification of their internet sect. This book was very much so spelled out for you. A lot of that is due to June living the experience and literally spelling out what is happening, and why she has issues with the "Twitterati". While sometimes, it is necessary to be heavy-handed with what is happening, sometimes it's good to leave some subtext.
Despite these critiques, I found myself enjoying Yellowface immensely. This book was witty and uncomfortable. It was a prosed trainwreck I could not pull my eyes away from. I loved every minute of it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Stalking, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Death
j_emerson18's review
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Pleasantly surprised. I don't normally enjoy books that I've seen trend over booktok. Been burned too many times over "must reads". This book was phenomenal.
I enjoyed the main character being both easy to sympathize with and easy to be disgusted with. Incredibly complex. June Hayward was greedy, distraught, hurt, betrayed, frustrated, and overall conflicted. I loved her inner turmoil while also going over all the ways she could move past wrongdoings (either done by her or to her). The ways she couldn't tell that she was micro-aggressive to minorities even though she was giving them a voice. The double edged sword of being supportive of minority authors/narratives but having those passing thoughts about the individuals she came across in public. So well done!
The overall plot was great. I particularly found myself enthralled with the way cancel culture and reasonable doubt were used as weapons. Both by the main character and those surrounding her.
Also want to show my appreciation for the audiobook narrator. Oh my God she was phenomenal. Her inflictions, emotions, changing her tone when in the final scene. You could hear June spiralling and it was made believable by Helen's talent. 10/10 job well done.
I would absolutely recommend this to others. It's a narrative that isn't widely discussed that needs to be. No matter what side of the fence you're on. Publishing and the art world are vicious, and it's foolish to think otherwise.
I enjoyed the main character being both easy to sympathize with and easy to be disgusted with. Incredibly complex. June Hayward was greedy, distraught, hurt, betrayed, frustrated, and overall conflicted. I loved her inner turmoil while also going over all the ways she could move past wrongdoings (either done by her or to her). The ways she couldn't tell that she was micro-aggressive to minorities even though she was giving them a voice. The double edged sword of being supportive of minority authors/narratives but having those passing thoughts about the individuals she came across in public. So well done!
The overall plot was great. I particularly found myself enthralled with the way cancel culture and reasonable doubt were used as weapons. Both by the main character and those surrounding her.
Also want to show my appreciation for the audiobook narrator. Oh my God she was phenomenal. Her inflictions, emotions, changing her tone when in the final scene. You could hear June spiralling and it was made believable by Helen's talent. 10/10 job well done.
I would absolutely recommend this to others. It's a narrative that isn't widely discussed that needs to be. No matter what side of the fence you're on. Publishing and the art world are vicious, and it's foolish to think otherwise.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Stalking, Xenophobia, Alcohol, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Toxic friendship, Cultural appropriation, and Cursing
Minor: Racial slurs
tenderthunder970611's review against another edition
I couldn’t get past the main character. I do love the writing, the flow of the story, and how quick paced it is. But this is the first in awhile that I stopped because the main character screams terrible. I know it’s intentional but as an Asian it just doesn’t sit well lol.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia and Racism
avasbookmark's review
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Death, Xenophobia, Suicidal thoughts, and Cultural appropriation
Minor: Rape
marina_michelle's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Cultural appropriation, Mental illness, Bullying, Rape, Toxic friendship, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual assault, Gaslighting, Grief, Xenophobia, Racism, Cursing, and Vomit
Moderate: Stalking and Classism
Minor: War and Colonisation