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chasinggrace 's review for:
Yellowface
by R.F. Kuang
challenging
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
The final Kuang work for me to read, and boy is this different from TPW and Babel. It’s also my first audiobook and I am so glad I listened to this on audio - I would have DNF’d if I was reading the physical book.
I have to come to terms with the fact that unreliable / unlikeable main characters or narrators may not be my “thing.” Nor characters who descend into madness (outside of a fantasy setting. For example, I loved Rin in TPW but disliked Dorian Gray in TPODG). While I appreciated the overarching theme of “who gets to tell what story?” I truly found myself yelling at the FMC. Her thought process was constantly infuriating and consequently not enjoyable to follow.
I did appreciate that her “friend” was an imperfect victim - that added necessary depth to this. I also appreciated the commentary on internet pile-on cancel culture and friends of convenience.
I don’t know RF Kuang lore to the point that I could compare her lived experience to those of these characters, nor can I comment on whether the FMC’s voice was “too influenced” by Kuang. What I will say is that this felt almost memoir-y, and I am much more interested in Kuang’s fantasy novels (world building, magic systems, etc) than I am in her literary fiction analysis of the modern world.
I have to come to terms with the fact that unreliable / unlikeable main characters or narrators may not be my “thing.” Nor characters who descend into madness (outside of a fantasy setting. For example, I loved Rin in TPW but disliked Dorian Gray in TPODG). While I appreciated the overarching theme of “who gets to tell what story?” I truly found myself yelling at the FMC. Her thought process was constantly infuriating and consequently not enjoyable to follow.
I did appreciate that her “friend” was an imperfect victim - that added necessary depth to this. I also appreciated the commentary on internet pile-on cancel culture and friends of convenience.
I don’t know RF Kuang lore to the point that I could compare her lived experience to those of these characters, nor can I comment on whether the FMC’s voice was “too influenced” by Kuang. What I will say is that this felt almost memoir-y, and I am much more interested in Kuang’s fantasy novels (world building, magic systems, etc) than I am in her literary fiction analysis of the modern world.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Stalking, Cultural appropriation, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Alcohol