A review by codifyy
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

emotional informative reflective 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

3.5

Quick and easy read. First contemporary book I've read and didn't mind it since I like this author's writing style and I didn't find the contemporary references as cringey as I've always thought I would. I liked that it was written from the perspective of June because this is almost like another story she has stolen or perhaps the only one she has actually written herself but it's still based on Athena really. I was never rooting for June but I was rooting for Athena as a person until it became more nuanced when it was revealed about Athena's past beliefs and actions. I see how it shows that June can be forgiven so many times and survive the public opinion but it did become repetitive at times with the cycle of publishing plagiarised work again. I thought that Candice would make a return but not with such a personal vendetta and instead with a more righteous attitude but I understand why this was the case. I originally thought June would commit suicide but I understand now that she was way too egocentric and stubborn for that and the idea of her making herself the victim and continuing in her ways makes more sense. Sometimes the author's self-inserts become a bit too much and I couldn't separate fact from fiction which was a bit confusing and made me uncertain of the author's message regarding that.
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