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A review by sarahrob
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book was mesmerizing. I couldn’t look away. It was an absolutely wild ride. At the start this books seems to be a satirical, albeit cutting look into authorship, racism and the publishing industry at large. However, as it progresses the author investigates both female rivalry and its impact on feminism in addition to a look into isolation and mental health.
I found some of the twitter-verse bits to be a bit tedious, but I think it was purposefully done and helped readers be able to better understand June, even while disagreeing with her and her choices. It helps build the manic energy that carries that back half of the novel.
June is both unreliable and unlikable as a narrator, which at times made this hard to read, because she was just so frustrating, however, I think it speaks to the author’s talent. That she is able to keep readers turning pages despite not being able to stand the main character. Just when I thought I couldn’t read any more because I just wasn’t able to stand June and her privileged and entitled attitude, Kuang takes the book in an entirely new direction to recapture the excitement. The last 70 pages were enthralling and I couldn’t stop reading.
I found the ending very satisfying, despite other’s criticism… I honestly couldn’t see this story playing out any other way. June is in fact completely blinded by her perception of reality and I don’t think she would ever really change.
Five stars from me because I liked that this book was both thought-provoking with discussion on weighty topics in a unique way, but also thrilling and dark in the end.
I found some of the twitter-verse bits to be a bit tedious, but I think it was purposefully done and helped readers be able to better understand June, even while disagreeing with her and her choices. It helps build the manic energy that carries that back half of the novel.
June is both unreliable and unlikable as a narrator, which at times made this hard to read, because she was just so frustrating, however, I think it speaks to the author’s talent. That she is able to keep readers turning pages despite not being able to stand the main character. Just when I thought I couldn’t read any more because I just wasn’t able to stand June and her privileged and entitled attitude, Kuang takes the book in an entirely new direction to recapture the excitement. The last 70 pages were enthralling and I couldn’t stop reading.
I found the ending very satisfying, despite other’s criticism… I honestly couldn’t see this story playing out any other way. June is in fact completely blinded by her perception of reality and I don’t think she would ever really change.
Five stars from me because I liked that this book was both thought-provoking with discussion on weighty topics in a unique way, but also thrilling and dark in the end.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Cultural appropriation
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, War, Rape, and Violence