Take a photo of a barcode or cover
drjoannehill 's review for:
Yellowface
by R.F. Kuang
challenging
funny
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Audiobook.
June and Athena are friends and writers. Athena dies and June takes her manuscript, edits it, and gets it published. Cue massive ups and downs as June gradually becomes more and more ensnared in the lie and the paranoia and depression it triggers in her.
This book is a whirlwind of emotions and questions mainly about myself and my feelings about the characters...
Are we on June's side? (Mostly, kind of? Apart from when she is rude to a high school student)
Do we feel sorry for her?
What does it say about me that I would be on her side?
Is this story more about the problems of the publishing industry, media hype about books, and the difficulties of claiming authorship over story ideas?
Does Kuang mean to present June sympathetically or badly?
How does Kuang want us to react to the racism aimed at Asian writers and also to the vitriol aimed at white writers?
What does she want us to think about racism?!
How much of Athena's story is drawn from Kuang's experience?
And back to - what are we supposed to think about June?!
This is very different from Kuang's fantasy/magical books. I think I have read everything she's published, this year!
June and Athena are friends and writers. Athena dies and June takes her manuscript, edits it, and gets it published. Cue massive ups and downs as June gradually becomes more and more ensnared in the lie and the paranoia and depression it triggers in her.
This book is a whirlwind of emotions and questions mainly about myself and my feelings about the characters...
Are we on June's side? (Mostly, kind of? Apart from when she is rude to a high school student)
Do we feel sorry for her?
What does it say about me that I would be on her side?
Is this story more about the problems of the publishing industry, media hype about books, and the difficulties of claiming authorship over story ideas?
Does Kuang mean to present June sympathetically or badly?
How does Kuang want us to react to the racism aimed at Asian writers and also to the vitriol aimed at white writers?
What does she want us to think about racism?!
How much of Athena's story is drawn from Kuang's experience?
And back to - what are we supposed to think about June?!
This is very different from Kuang's fantasy/magical books. I think I have read everything she's published, this year!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Cultural appropriation, Toxic friendship