A review by eringl
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

dark emotional 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

4.75

I wasn’t sure what to expect with this book.

I have enjoyed Kuang’s other books immensely and consider Babel one of my personal classics. Kuang is one of my few “always buy” authors. 

The exploration of the narrators mind was disgusting and fascinating. June/Juniper is the last person anyone would want to be or have as a close friend. 

Her descriptions of loneliness, anxiety and warped perceptions are terrifyingly spot on. The way guilt is portrayed evokes the same visceral experience as the Tell Tale Heart. 

I am reluctant to admit but in the moments of extreme anxiety and despair I felt empathetic towards the narrator. Which made me wonder what does that say about me? Is it wrong that I feel empathy for someone experiencing the consequences of their abhorrent actions? 

All in all,  Kuang grappled with and captured the intricacies of these emotional experiences. 

The way racism, consent and plagiarism were explored in this book reflect the complexity of these issues.

I typically don’t re-read thriller or horror style novels but I anticipate I will want to re-visit this book once I have engaged with the larger discussion. 
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