A review by emilymax21
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

dark 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

3.5


I am very conflicted on this book. I appreciate the social commentary it makes,  I find a morally bad character intriguing, and I was compelled to keep listening because I wanted to know how it all ended. It is a good representation of the problem that is white people who think they can’t possibly be a bad or racist person because they vote democrat and happen to know some people of color

That said, I think a good indicator of a well done social commentary and “bad” character is when the reader feels conflicted about the main characters intentions and quality. I felt this was about Athena, but not Juniper. Juniper’s terribleness was so heavy handed it was borderline unbearable and incredibly annoying, which made it hard to keep going at times as I had nothing to latch onto 

I also understand this is a modern book in a modern setting, and know there will be some modern references. When there are so many that it makes the reader cringe and dates the book drastically, it makes it hard for this book to ever been seen as a classic.

Overall it was compelling, but definitely not what I hoped 
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