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A review by memeraryfiction
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
challenging
slow-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
4.0
Yellowface is a really good book, and I'm still not quite sure how I feel about it. It made me uncomfortable, but uncomfortable in a productive way, which is something I really appreciate.
June is not a likeable narrator at all, but that's sort of the whole point. The book is Very Online, which I didn't love, but it also feels accurate to the plot and the characters. I'm probably just showing my age when I say I find it difficult to find books driven heavily by social media drama to be compelling; or maybe I just miss pre-Elon Musk Twitter (RIP).
Despite these misgivings, though, I wouldn't change a thing about it: the plot, pacing, and characterization are all really carefully chosen and well done. Yellowface is not my favourite book I've read this year, or even this week (but it's not Kuang's fault I read it in the middle of a month with multiple five-star books); it is, however, very much worth reading.
June is not a likeable narrator at all, but that's sort of the whole point. The book is Very Online, which I didn't love, but it also feels accurate to the plot and the characters. I'm probably just showing my age when I say I find it difficult to find books driven heavily by social media drama to be compelling; or maybe I just miss pre-Elon Musk Twitter (RIP).
Despite these misgivings, though, I wouldn't change a thing about it: the plot, pacing, and characterization are all really carefully chosen and well done. Yellowface is not my favourite book I've read this year, or even this week (but it's not Kuang's fault I read it in the middle of a month with multiple five-star books); it is, however, very much worth reading.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Racism, Cultural appropriation, Toxic friendship
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Toxic relationship, Stalking
Minor: Confinement, Alcohol, Colonisation, War