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A review by sarahsthoughtsonbooks
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
**will update, one day, but just putting down my immediate thoughts**
Despite owning multiple copies of The Poppy Wars trilogy, and Babel, Yellowface is the first R. F. Kuang novel I've read.
This novel is marketed as a satire about the publishing industry, so I was expecting it to be enjoyable/readable but for most of it to go over my head, because I generally don't understand satire.
However, the whole mystery/thriller aspect that's not really advertised had me quickly turning the pages for the last half of the book. I don't know if the writing and what happened is something that those that have read her backlist expected, but as a new to the author reader, it had me captured. Like where was Kuang going with this? What is happening? At the same time, I was and to guess what was happening as i got closer to the end - my original prediction at about 1/3 of the way done was wrong.
Anyways, highly recommend adding to your TBR if you want something that looks into the publishing industry, tokenization, diversity "efforts and inclusion".
It's really a lot about who gets to tell stories, who gets credit, how much credit.
CN: HP references
Despite owning multiple copies of The Poppy Wars trilogy, and Babel, Yellowface is the first R. F. Kuang novel I've read.
This novel is marketed as a satire about the publishing industry, so I was expecting it to be enjoyable/readable but for most of it to go over my head, because I generally don't understand satire.
However, the whole mystery/thriller aspect that's not really advertised had me quickly turning the pages for the last half of the book. I don't know if the writing and what happened is something that those that have read her backlist expected, but as a new to the author reader, it had me captured. Like where was Kuang going with this? What is happening? At the same time, I was and to guess what was happening as i got closer to the end - my original prediction at about 1/3 of the way done was wrong.
Anyways, highly recommend adding to your TBR if you want something that looks into the publishing industry, tokenization, diversity "efforts and inclusion".
It's really a lot about who gets to tell stories, who gets credit, how much credit.
CN: HP references
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Racism, Bullying, and Death
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Stalking
Minor: Self harm, Injury/Injury detail, Alcohol, and Death of parent