A review by keybladium
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I didn’t know anything about this book when starting but now that I’ve finished it, I do feel like it’s success is deserved. It is very engaging and immersive with lots of events that keep you glued and it deals with very relevant issues in an authentic and realistic way. Kuang was pretty skilled at illicitly emotion too, there were many times I felt so frustrated or sympathized with June and everything relating to the cancel culture. 

However, I wouldn’t consider it perfect. There were a couple that felt a little weird and underdeveloped such as the second meeting with the ex and some sub plot lines felt a little loose. They were never major and expanding in them would’ve probably slowed down the pacing but I can’t help but want a resolve. The whole Athena account thing at the end of the book also didn’t make as much sense to me the further it went on. It felt a little messy and just a way to set up the confrontation at the end but the ending made up for it. 

Overall, it was a great book that handled the theme of morality and cancel culture in a authentic and interesting way and I’m excited to read more from the author