A review by apfelkistenbuch
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This book was genius and messed up and i hated and loved it and i could not put it down. 

Reading the first few sentences very quickly set the tone and made it clear that this book would be very different from Kuang’s prior works. 

It was difficult to read because June is so unlikeable, but the first person perspective sometimes pushes you to the point of believing her reasoning against your will. 
Since you’re trapped inside her mind you have no choice but to see the world through her eyes. I hated it so much, but it was brilliant and manipulative. 

I did not know where this book was going and i did not know what point it was trying to make, and i think that in itself is the point -- It felt like an experiment, whilst also being an honest reflection on the creative process and the publishing industry. 

My main criticism would be the pop culture references and celebrity mentions, there were just so many -- i think they date the book and don’t really serve a purpose. And since the book felt like an experiment in itself, i was not surprised to find the ending a bit lacking.