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A review by kelly_e
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
dark
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Title: Yellowface
Author: R.F. Kuang
Genre: Contemporary
Rating: 2.75
Pub Date: May 25, 2023
T H R E E • W O R D S
Icky • Juicy • Insightful
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Athena Liu is a literary darling. June Hayward is literally nobody. Who wants stories by basic white girls anyway?
But now Athena is dead. And June has her unfinished manuscript...
💠T H O U G H T S
I'd added Yellowface to my list of possible 2023 releases to explore after attending an online event with the author. The premise had me apprehensive, yet the author did a fantastic job selling me, so when it became available as a 'quick read' through my library I scooped it up.
The fact satirical stories are not my thing is something I knew going in, and yet I picked it up anyways. Another thing I don't care for are stories centered around social media and cancel culture, both of which are central here. So it's clear this novel was not meant for me.
With that said, Kuang's writing is incredible. She delivers a no holds barred account of the ins and outs of the publishing industry - a bold move that paid off. While not for me, I understand all of the love it is receiving. What this book does really well is give readers lots to think about, making it a fantastic book club selection, sure to spark interesting and engaging discussion.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• readers looking for something fast-paced
• fans of the unlikeable narrator
• bookclubs
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"Writing is the closest thing we have to real magic."
"Reading lets us live in someone else’s shoes. Literature builds bridges; it makes our world larger, not smaller."
Author: R.F. Kuang
Genre: Contemporary
Rating: 2.75
Pub Date: May 25, 2023
T H R E E • W O R D S
Icky • Juicy • Insightful
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Athena Liu is a literary darling. June Hayward is literally nobody. Who wants stories by basic white girls anyway?
But now Athena is dead. And June has her unfinished manuscript...
💠T H O U G H T S
I'd added Yellowface to my list of possible 2023 releases to explore after attending an online event with the author. The premise had me apprehensive, yet the author did a fantastic job selling me, so when it became available as a 'quick read' through my library I scooped it up.
The fact satirical stories are not my thing is something I knew going in, and yet I picked it up anyways. Another thing I don't care for are stories centered around social media and cancel culture, both of which are central here. So it's clear this novel was not meant for me.
With that said, Kuang's writing is incredible. She delivers a no holds barred account of the ins and outs of the publishing industry - a bold move that paid off. While not for me, I understand all of the love it is receiving. What this book does really well is give readers lots to think about, making it a fantastic book club selection, sure to spark interesting and engaging discussion.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• readers looking for something fast-paced
• fans of the unlikeable narrator
• bookclubs
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"Writing is the closest thing we have to real magic."
"Reading lets us live in someone else’s shoes. Literature builds bridges; it makes our world larger, not smaller."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic friendship, Sexism, Misogyny, Racism, Racial slurs, Death, Cultural appropriation, Bullying, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Grief, Panic attacks/disorders, Xenophobia, Sexual assault, Stalking, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Sexual violence, Cursing, Mental illness, Rape, Violence, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Vomit, Injury/Injury detail, Death of parent, Alcohol, War, Classism, and Islamophobia