A review by oceanwriter
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

challenging dark tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

After reading Babel a while back, I had assumed Yellowface would follow a similar style. Though it hadn’t been a book I loved, I liked the writing enough to give this one a go when it was selected for a group read. I was so excited when I realized this book is more of a thriller. 
 
After the death of her friend and rival Athena Liu, June Hayward takes Athena’s first draft of her latest book. With some editing, June claims it as her own. How long can she get away with feigning a heritage that doesn’t belong to her? 
 
While I was taken in by the premise, I spent most of the book feeling uncomfortable. Yes, that is the purpose of the book, but I wasn’t prepared for it and wasn’t in the mood for this type of read. I’d hoped at least for some character growth. The voice of the narrator left me feeling I was on the outside of an inside joke. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings