A review by its_kievan
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

challenging dark emotional tense fast-paced

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

4.5

Insane read. Baffled by criticism about it being “on-the-nose” or simplistic when this is such an amazingly nuanced and even sympathetic portrait of a pretty openly awful person. I think one of the hardest things anyone can do is portray a very complex personal situation without devolving into either polemics or both-sides-isms, and the fact that Kuang threaded that needle is all the proof you need of insane writing skill. Ending twist was kinda eh though.