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frankhaotic 's review for:
Yellowface
by R.F. Kuang
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Whew, tough read, and often because of how well-rendered a book it is. Bigots in real-life often pull the same old tricks, and that's difficult to escape into.
She's an excellent writer and I was tense throughout. June is thoroughly odious and had me frustrated from beginning-to-end; she's a character with endless reserves for her self-justification and self-preservation. Her hardships don't excuse her bigotry and her actions.
It's difficult to comment on the book without feeling like an agent from the narrative itself. This was a book about an embattled and entitled woman who, as is common for the archtypical grifter destined for right-wing success, has the social resilience of a cockroach. She lied her way into success, imagined herself deserving of it, was rightfully found out, and ultimately discovered that the truth has never mattered to her. She'll continue to lay the tracks as the train trundles on, justifying herself the whole way along. Bleak.
An excellent, if upsetting, read.
She's an excellent writer and I was tense throughout. June is thoroughly odious and had me frustrated from beginning-to-end; she's a character with endless reserves for her self-justification and self-preservation. Her hardships don't excuse her bigotry and her actions.
It's difficult to comment on the book without feeling like an agent from the narrative itself. This was a book about an embattled and entitled woman who, as is common for the archtypical grifter destined for right-wing success, has the social resilience of a cockroach. She lied her way into success, imagined herself deserving of it, was rightfully found out, and ultimately discovered that the truth has never mattered to her. She'll continue to lay the tracks as the train trundles on, justifying herself the whole way along. Bleak.
An excellent, if upsetting, read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Sexual violence, Cultural appropriation
Moderate: Eating disorder, Classism