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A review by akira_outofthegravity
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
challenging
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A beautifully stunning critique of racism in modern day America and in the modern book-sphere.
Juniper is such an interesting character, because at points I almost do feel sorry for her. It’s difficult putting yourself out there, especially when your friend seems preordained for greatness. I’ve been there. My best friend was everything I wanted to be, she was blonde, beautiful, and funny. She was insanely intelligent and good at everything. Her poetry made a teacher cry, her grades were the highest in my year. No one wanted to know me, they wanted to know her. I understand Juniper, better than I’d like to admit.
But Juniper’s downfall comes in the form of her unwillingness, or perhaps her lack of ability, to take any responsibility. She’s judgemental and rude and turns on people at any given moment. She’s incredibly selfish and bitchy, but at points she is sympathetic.
I love how Kuang dips between timelines, showing both Athena and Juniper in a sympathetic and unsympathetic light- but the fact is that none of Athena’s acts are terrible enough to have her life’s work stolen and her identity as a woman of colour stolen.
I think this is a very sharp thought out critique and I hope that Kuang writes more thrillers in the future!
Juniper is such an interesting character, because at points I almost do feel sorry for her. It’s difficult putting yourself out there, especially when your friend seems preordained for greatness. I’ve been there. My best friend was everything I wanted to be, she was blonde, beautiful, and funny. She was insanely intelligent and good at everything. Her poetry made a teacher cry, her grades were the highest in my year. No one wanted to know me, they wanted to know her. I understand Juniper, better than I’d like to admit.
But Juniper’s downfall comes in the form of her unwillingness, or perhaps her lack of ability, to take any responsibility. She’s judgemental and rude and turns on people at any given moment. She’s incredibly selfish and bitchy, but at points she is sympathetic.
I love how Kuang dips between timelines, showing both Athena and Juniper in a sympathetic and unsympathetic light- but the fact is that none of Athena’s acts are terrible enough to have her life’s work stolen and her identity as a woman of colour stolen.
I think this is a very sharp thought out critique and I hope that Kuang writes more thrillers in the future!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cultural appropriation, Panic attacks/disorders, Death, and Racism
Moderate: Body horror, Toxic friendship, Vomit, Rape, Bullying, and Sexual assault
Minor: Eating disorder and Gaslighting