A review by ofpagesandparagraphs
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

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

4.5

This book was like a car crash that you can see coming from a mile away, can do nothing to prevent, but that you can't help but watch as it inevitably happens, as if in slow motion.  It seemed a little bit like a psychological thriller since you are in the MC's mind the whole time and you get a front row seat to its collapse.  
The complexity with which Kuang weaves in themes of jealousy, racism, privilege, crowd mentality, social media, stereotypes, cultural appropriation, and more throughout this story were brilliant and horrifying all in one.  There were multiple moments that made me cringe, and yet I couldn't stop turning the pages.  This story is fast-paced, edgy, satirical, and both believable and unbelievable in the same breath. I'm going to be thinking about this one for quite a while.
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