A review by chrissymay
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

dark fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

“Reading lets us live in someone else’s shoes. Literature builds bridges; it makes our world larger, not smaller.“ 

Unless you’re Juniper Song…but she would likely disagree. Because doing exactly the opposite of what she should do is integral to her personality. 

I haven’t disliked the MC this much in a long while. Her self loathing coupled with the consistent jealousy she uses to propel her aspirations forward makes for quite a character. If you’re looking for strong character development, you’ve got it, but the seething you’ll experience will only make you want to read more. The MC isn’t the only unlikable character in this story, there’s a slew of them and the publishers also manage to walk both sides of the ethical tightrope. 

This book’s undercurrent reminds me of the AI issues publishers deal with these days. You think high school english teachers have their hands full? Imagine what the general public can throw at publishing houses. I don’t see how they do it and Yellowface sheds some light on what a catastrophe that can erupt into. Throw in some racial discourse, social media bullying, and a little industry animosity and it’s a party no one wants to attend but everyone will gladly read about.