Scan barcode
A review by emmaward55
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
5.0
It's been a while since I wrote a proper review, so forgive me if I'm a little rusty.
For those not yet in the know, Yellowface is the latest book in R. F. Kuang's highly rated literary career. Following the story of a young white author who steals and publishes the manuscript of her dead Chinese friend, this explosive novel pulls no punches from chapter one until the very last sentence.
Kuang's work is a riveting ride through the ups and downs of the publishing process and the associated scandals that the main character brings upon herself. It's a compelling and modern read that deserves its place on all the hot literary lists of the moment.
At times deliciously meta, the work is highly readable in its tone and voice, explaining concepts that the general audience may be unfamiliar with in clear and concise ways. I found it engaging and difficult to tear myself away from, both in regards to the plot developments and Kuang's brilliant prose.
It is also one of those rare books that can present the reader with an unlikeable narrator and keep us feverishly reading along as the protagonist becomes more unhinged and altogether worthy of our hatred. So often I've DNR'd a book because I couldn't stand the protagonist, but reading about Juniper is like only having one chocolate from a box - impossible to stop once you've begun.
I'm looking forward to picking up Babel from her next!
For those not yet in the know, Yellowface is the latest book in R. F. Kuang's highly rated literary career. Following the story of a young white author who steals and publishes the manuscript of her dead Chinese friend, this explosive novel pulls no punches from chapter one until the very last sentence.
Kuang's work is a riveting ride through the ups and downs of the publishing process and the associated scandals that the main character brings upon herself. It's a compelling and modern read that deserves its place on all the hot literary lists of the moment.
At times deliciously meta, the work is highly readable in its tone and voice, explaining concepts that the general audience may be unfamiliar with in clear and concise ways. I found it engaging and difficult to tear myself away from, both in regards to the plot developments and Kuang's brilliant prose.
It is also one of those rare books that can present the reader with an unlikeable narrator and keep us feverishly reading along as the protagonist becomes more unhinged and altogether worthy of our hatred. So often I've DNR'd a book because I couldn't stand the protagonist, but reading about Juniper is like only having one chocolate from a box - impossible to stop once you've begun.
I'm looking forward to picking up Babel from her next!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Racism, and Cultural appropriation
Moderate: Rape
Minor: Racial slurs, Suicidal thoughts, Vomit, and Death of parent