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nika_nix 's review for:
Yellowface
by R.F. Kuang
reflective
tense
fast-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
The first two thirds of this book were absolute 5 stars for me. Unfortunately, that is both the point when the plot started to go downhill and when I started reading other people's reviews.
Let's start with the plot. The beginning was so strong, I really enjoyed all the talk about the behind of scenes of publishing and how different authors are treated. I even liked reading from June's POV - yes, she is unhinged and unreliable, but it's exactly the type of character I enjoy reading about. I even agreed with some of the things she was saying (and I don't really care if the "woke" crew is triggered now). However, the further the story went and the more author realized she didn't know what to do with the story next, the more repetitive the book started to get and it kind of lost me. It went in circles between guilt and spite for pages and pages, with nothing new being introduced. The very ending is, in my opinion, at the same time incredibly cheap out and very fitting to the rest of the book, so I don't know if I like it or not.
Now, I mentioned other reviews, which I'm at the same time glad I read, but also wish I didn't. I was not aware that the author actually had a similar experience and that this book is a self-insert. And apparently not even a very subtle one. And one I've found that out, I had to start looking at this book differently. Usually, I could not care less about the authors themselves, I care only about whether I like a book or not and then review the book accordingly, but these review made me think and, honestly, ruined my enjoyment a little bit. I wish I could've just formed my opinions based on the story I've read, not based on my guesses and speculations of what was the author actually trying to do with this book.
But all in all, I did have a good time while reading this, for the most part. I feel like I learned a lot and I enjoyed that experience. I don't understand why it's on so many people's favorites list, but I do see why it has such a mass appeal and got so popular last year. It also proved to me that I can actually enjoy a literary fiction book, I just need to find a right theme.
Let's start with the plot. The beginning was so strong, I really enjoyed all the talk about the behind of scenes of publishing and how different authors are treated. I even liked reading from June's POV - yes, she is unhinged and unreliable, but it's exactly the type of character I enjoy reading about. I even agreed with some of the things she was saying (and I don't really care if the "woke" crew is triggered now). However, the further the story went and the more author realized she didn't know what to do with the story next, the more repetitive the book started to get and it kind of lost me. It went in circles between guilt and spite for pages and pages, with nothing new being introduced. The very ending is, in my opinion, at the same time incredibly cheap out and very fitting to the rest of the book, so I don't know if I like it or not.
Now, I mentioned other reviews, which I'm at the same time glad I read, but also wish I didn't. I was not aware that the author actually had a similar experience and that this book is a self-insert. And apparently not even a very subtle one. And one I've found that out, I had to start looking at this book differently. Usually, I could not care less about the authors themselves, I care only about whether I like a book or not and then review the book accordingly, but these review made me think and, honestly, ruined my enjoyment a little bit. I wish I could've just formed my opinions based on the story I've read, not based on my guesses and speculations of what was the author actually trying to do with this book.
But all in all, I did have a good time while reading this, for the most part. I feel like I learned a lot and I enjoyed that experience. I don't understand why it's on so many people's favorites list, but I do see why it has such a mass appeal and got so popular last year. It also proved to me that I can actually enjoy a literary fiction book, I just need to find a right theme.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Cultural appropriation, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship
Moderate: Bullying, Death
Minor: Suicidal thoughts