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A review by pushingdessy
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
dark
mysterious
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
5.0
I *had* to check out one of the hottest books of last year!
What can I say that hasn’t been said before about this book? It was very hard to put down, even though it’s not a fast-paced thriller by any means. It explores the current state of the publishing industry, racism, online discourse, and the overall social climate in ways that are relevant and thoughtful. I appreciated that it explored sort of both sides of, or different perspectives on, these issues. For example, I was reminded of how JK Rowling put out a 1k pages book about how she, a transphobe - sorry, her character I mean - was bullied online by the sad Tumblr freaks (affectionate). But unlike Rowling, Kuang’s treatment felt more nuanced. Much of June’s online cancellation was justified, and sought out justice and reparations, which she denied by lying to herself as well as to everyone else - but we know she was in the wrong. And we also see cancellation getting away from that original purpose to become a measure of morality and social policing, as well as a way to vent frustrations and jealousy when it’s the late Athena’s turn.
On the other hand, I also thought it was a book for the terminally online, of which I’m unfortunately one. By this I mean that there were current references to memes and stuff that might not age or translate well to international audiences. You know how some books make up an entire parallel universe with made-up celebrities and brands? Well, this wasn’t it.
I’ve seen people say that June is an unlikeable character, and sure, she’s not a good person - but I also thought she was relatable, and so not wholly unlikeable.
Was this book worth the hype? Yes, for sure! Although part of me wonders about the staying power it’ll have after its immediate relevance.
What can I say that hasn’t been said before about this book? It was very hard to put down, even though it’s not a fast-paced thriller by any means. It explores the current state of the publishing industry, racism, online discourse, and the overall social climate in ways that are relevant and thoughtful. I appreciated that it explored sort of both sides of, or different perspectives on, these issues. For example, I was reminded of how JK Rowling put out a 1k pages book about how she, a transphobe - sorry, her character I mean - was bullied online by the sad Tumblr freaks (affectionate). But unlike Rowling, Kuang’s treatment felt more nuanced. Much of June’s online cancellation was justified, and sought out justice and reparations, which she denied by lying to herself as well as to everyone else - but we know she was in the wrong. And we also see cancellation getting away from that original purpose to become a measure of morality and social policing, as well as a way to vent frustrations and jealousy when it’s the late Athena’s turn.
On the other hand, I also thought it was a book for the terminally online, of which I’m unfortunately one. By this I mean that there were current references to memes and stuff that might not age or translate well to international audiences. You know how some books make up an entire parallel universe with made-up celebrities and brands? Well, this wasn’t it.
I’ve seen people say that June is an unlikeable character, and sure, she’s not a good person - but I also thought she was relatable, and so not wholly unlikeable.
Was this book worth the hype? Yes, for sure! Although part of me wonders about the staying power it’ll have after its immediate relevance.