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A review by undercoverbooksatl
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
dark
emotional
funny
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Yellowface captured me from the very beginning and didn't let me breathe until the last page.
R.F. Kuang dives deep into cultural appropriation, racism in publishing, and how Asian voices are erased often. Not only does Kuang expose these issues—she makes you feel them: the microaggressions, the industry’s fake diversity, and the way our experiences are often dismissed. It’s sharp, darkly funny, and impossible to put down.
Even though this is technically a lit-fic, it read as thriller-like and I couldn’t help but watch the train wreck that was happening.
I'm not sure how this book can receive anything less than at 4-star review. Maybe it's the fact that every character is unlikable. Or because it's a book that challenges rather than comforts, which can make it divisive, but this book is necessary.
R.F. Kuang dives deep into cultural appropriation, racism in publishing, and how Asian voices are erased often. Not only does Kuang expose these issues—she makes you feel them: the microaggressions, the industry’s fake diversity, and the way our experiences are often dismissed. It’s sharp, darkly funny, and impossible to put down.
Even though this is technically a lit-fic, it read as thriller-like and I couldn’t help but watch the train wreck that was happening.
I'm not sure how this book can receive anything less than at 4-star review. Maybe it's the fact that every character is unlikable. Or because it's a book that challenges rather than comforts, which can make it divisive, but this book is necessary.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cultural appropriation, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship
Minor: Bullying, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Suicidal thoughts, Classism