A review by emilyinherhead
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

dark tense fast-paced

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

5.0

Good God. This novel is a shitshow and a half and I tore through it in a little over 24 hours because I simply could not look away. The premise is that, after her Chinese American, super successful novelist friend Athena dies (in the first chapter, not a big spoiler), June Hayward is able to take Athena’s newest finished manuscript, make some edits, and publish it as her own work. And then, of course, chaos ensues. 

I never lied. That’s important. I never pretended to be Chinese, or made up life experiences that I didn’t have. It’s not fraud, what we’re doing. We’re just suggesting the right credentials, so that readers take me and my story seriously, so that nobody refuses to pick up my work because of some outdated preconceptions about who can write what. And if anyone makes assumptions, or connects the dots the wrong way, doesn’t that say far more about them than me?

At every turn, every time June has a choice to make, she seems to make the wrong one. Her actions are all glaringly misguided and unhinged, and yet she persists—prepare yourself for a book-length full-body cringe.

R.F. Kuang’s commentary on the publishing industry is also truly *chef’s kiss,* and I loved reading about all of those particular details.

Before Over the Sycamore came out, I worked my ass off doing blog interviews and podcasts, hoping that the more sweat I put into publicity, the more my publisher would reward my efforts. But now, I see, author efforts have nothing to do with a book’s success. Bestsellers are chosen. Nothing you do matters. You just get to enjoy the perks along the way.

The most successful aspect of the book, though, is the way Kuang complicates things. It’s easy to scorn June from the beginning, to identify what she’s doing as wrong. But as we learn more about Athena and her writing practice, as well as the agents, editors, movie producers, and other alleged professionals who are advising June along her snowballing path of horrible choices, the picture gets a little clouded. Yes, June is unquestionably behaving poorly, but she isn’t the only one. It’s all just so, so juicy.

If you’re interested in the publishing industry and/or you enjoy a literary thriller, you must read this book.