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A review by laurak483
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
dark
emotional
reflective
fast-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
4.0
This is the only book I have EVER read where I truly despised the main character and was waiting for her downfall the entire novel, but completely gripped from beginning to end. I think a lot of readers, to enjoy a book, have to like/relate to main characters or see at least a part of themselves in them to enjoy it and that will be where this book loses a lot of people.
This book was described by the author as her angry letter to the publishing industry and that is a perfect description. The main character manages to point out most of the major flaws within the industry yet reversing who is actually suffering most of the time. She is the type of person who is always the victim in a situation and feels entitled to a lifestyle without earning it. However, in this day and age there are a growing and vocal number of people who walk around with this mindset (e.g. reverse racism existing) and I think this is a book that society genuinely needs right now. I have met so many people like Juniper Hayward, and most of them epitomize what is wrong with the world and where our society is lacking in my humble opinion. I think the anger or frustration people felt that rated this book on the lower end should be redirected to the part of humanity this book is really trying to shine a spotlight on, in and outside of the publishing industry. At the end of the day, I believe if a book makes you think and really feel something, then it is a book that was worth writing and the author did their job. This book definitely made me feel things and while not an author, I was able to relate R.F. Kuang's struggles in her industry to struggles faced in all other facets of society by marginalized communities. The prose and pacing were also spot on.
This book was described by the author as her angry letter to the publishing industry and that is a perfect description. The main character manages to point out most of the major flaws within the industry yet reversing who is actually suffering most of the time. She is the type of person who is always the victim in a situation and feels entitled to a lifestyle without earning it. However, in this day and age there are a growing and vocal number of people who walk around with this mindset (e.g. reverse racism existing) and I think this is a book that society genuinely needs right now. I have met so many people like Juniper Hayward, and most of them epitomize what is wrong with the world and where our society is lacking in my humble opinion. I think the anger or frustration people felt that rated this book on the lower end should be redirected to the part of humanity this book is really trying to shine a spotlight on, in and outside of the publishing industry. At the end of the day, I believe if a book makes you think and really feel something, then it is a book that was worth writing and the author did their job. This book definitely made me feel things and while not an author, I was able to relate R.F. Kuang's struggles in her industry to struggles faced in all other facets of society by marginalized communities. The prose and pacing were also spot on.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Racism, and War
Moderate: Rape
Minor: Suicide