fiona_apples 's review for:

Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

3.25

dark funny medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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The first 2/3 of the book had me hooked - but the ending fell flat for me. I think this book was a little too wrapped up in itself, in trying to tell the reader, "do you GET IT???" It would have been much more compelling if the focus was more on the characters and less on using the characters as a vessel for the point it was trying to make - which, at the end of the day, was not really a revolutionary point at all. We become aware of what the book is trying to say almost immediately and then that does not really grow throughout the book - it's just the same point being reinforced. It was entertaining overall, though.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Cursing, Death, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Racial slurs, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Xenophobia, Grief, Cultural appropriation, Toxic friendship, Colonisation

Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault

Minor: Eating disorder, Death of parent