Reviews with content warning for Rape - Yellowface

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Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

882 reviews

vaykay's review against another edition

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adventurous dark reflective tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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katelynnelawson's review against another edition

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funny tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I genuinely couldn’t put this down. Got me out of a major reading slump. Darkly funny and borderline thrilling. If you’re chronically online in the book sphere, you’ll more than get it.

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pixyybelle's review against another edition

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dark reflective 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

3.75

R.F. Kuang's "Yellowface" is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that delves into themes of identity, cultural appropriation, and the morally complex landscape of the literary world. Rating it four stars, I found the book to be a gripping and immersive read, offering a unique narrative experience through the first-person point of view of an unreliable narrator, Juniper Song.

From the outset, reading from Juniper's perspective is both fascinating and unsettling. Kuang masterfully crafts a narrator whose skewed perception and justifications for her actions keep readers constantly questioning the truth. This unreliable narration adds layers to the story, making each revelation and twist even more impactful. As Juniper's narrative unfolds, her attempts to rationalize her decisions and manipulate those around her become increasingly apparent, drawing readers into a web of deceit and moral ambiguity.

One of the novel's most compelling aspects is Juniper's lack of personal growth. Throughout the story, we find ourselves hoping for her redemption, longing for her to recognize her wrongdoings and strive to become a better person. However, this hope remains unfulfilled. Juniper's persistent self-justification and refusal to acknowledge her flaws create a tension that underscores the novel's darker themes. This stagnation in her character development serves as a poignant commentary on the complexities of human nature and the difficulties of genuine self-improvement.

A pivotal moment in the novel occurs when Juniper reveals her traumatic history, casting Athena in a villainous light. This disclosure shifts the narrative dynamic, prompting readers to question the dichotomy of hero and villain. Kuang skillfully blurs the lines between victim and perpetrator, challenging readers to reassess their perceptions of the characters. The absence of a true "hero" in the story underscores the moral ambiguity and multifaceted nature of human relationships.

"Yellowface" is a remarkable exploration of the intricacies of identity and the ethical dilemmas faced by individuals in the creative industry. Kuang's storytelling is both engaging and thought-provoking, leaving readers to ponder the consequences of cultural appropriation and the ethical responsibilities of writers. The novel's strength lies in its ability to provoke reflection and discussion, making it a standout work in contemporary fiction.

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joepyeweed's review against another edition

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3.5

This was a very interesting premise, but presented without nuance. June was an extremely unlikeable character, as she should be— but her only personality was “racism” “insecurity” and “complaints.” That made the overall conflict of the novel feel much less believable than it might have been if she had been a more intricately fleshed out character who grappled at all with the morality of what she had done.

Also, how stupid can she be?

After getting away with the first plagiarism, lifting a paragraph word for word from Athena and leaving it in the finished book was just too dumb to be believed. She wrote the rest of the book herself— so any sensible person would take out the few stolen sentences and publish the rest. That plot point felt much too convenient.

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