A review by stevienotnicks
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

dark emotional funny tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I’ve never hated a protagonist so much while at the same time absolutely loving the story. It’s appalling in its truth. It was so hard to put down, even when my eyes were begging for sleep.

 Kuang’s heavy handed literary commentary on tokenism and the culture wars is unlike anything I’ve ever read. She is anything but subtle with depictions of racism, both quiet and overt, you can’t help but wonder if it’s slightly autobiographical in nature, with her taking on the role of Athena, or even perhaps a Diana or Candice. 

It’s our nature as readers to want to root for the narrator and Kuang makes this utterly impossible in the best way. You’ll love to hate June, but cannot stop watching the chaos unfold. 

This book was perfection in every way and has easily jumped up to my favorite read of 2023. 
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