A review by malarkeytbr
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

funny tense fast-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

4.5

there is nothing wrong with admitting athena liu had flaws. there is nothing wrong, even, with sympathizing for june at certain points. sometimes she had the right idea. sometimes she was the victim. but overwhelmingly, this book is a litmus test. it’s a test of your ability to think complexly about an issue. it’s heavy-handed at times, sure, but i think it works. it shines most when highlighting june’s microaggressions, though.
i enjoyed the “pulling back the curtain” on the publishing industry. that expose was probably some of my favorite parts. could have used with less twitter and way less pop culture, which kind of took me out of the story.
middle did lag somewhat, but first and last third were very engaging. the plot twist wasn’t super twisty - i didn’t predict it, but i wasn’t surprised by it. kuang absolutely ate me up in terms of writing a despicable character, though. i hated her to the point i had to consider my own rage and its consequences.
wasn’t expecting it to turn horror, was confused. did enjoy though.
is this book possibly candice’s book?? may be my favorite theory. explains parts of why june’s character is so cartoonishly awful. explains why not all the writing always hits, why not all the social issues are fully explored. candice isn’t a writer at the end of the day.
i wasn’t a fan of the ending. i get the metaphorical purpose of it. she’s a white woman, and at the end of the day, she always gets off without culpability. she’s so deep in her denial her life is irrevocably changed at athena’s hands. blah blah blah. it wasn’t my favorite.
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