Yellowface

Yellowface was more easily digestible than Babel, but tackled race related issues in just as eloquent terms. I really enjoyed this one, but The Poppy Wars is still my fav from RF Kuang.

Yellowface is a speculative fiction novel by R.F. Kuang, published in 2023. The novel follows the story of Juniper (June) Song Hayward, a female caucasian, and Athena Lee, a young Chinese-American woman who was a highly revered author who writes about Asian heritage. June and Athena were together on the last night of Athena’s life when she suddenly chokes and dies in front of June. Right before Athena dies, June stumbled upon Athena’s latest and highly secretive manuscript in which Athena asks June to do a read over and let Athena know what June thinks. This is important: Athena has no computer when she types her manuscripts out. She uses an antiqued typewriter and puts all her notes into a moleskin journal. June, being too drunk with Athena, puts the manuscript into her bag and tells Athena, they both are too drunk and she will review it when she is sober. With the sudden and shocking death of Athena, June has the only copy of Athena’s last work. What could possibly happen if June takes Athena's book and tweaks it and makes it her own? After all, don't all authors influence each other?

Yellowface is a well-written and exciting novel that explores themes of identity, race, and power. Kuang's writing is sharp and witty, and her characters are complex and believable. You may not like any of the characters but as you continue reading and peeling back each layer, you realize how realistic the flaws are. Not just these two people but all the characters in the novel.

Speaking of flaws, Yellowface is not without its flaws. The plot is sometimes convoluted, and the pacing can be uneven. Additionally, the novel's treatment of race and identity is somewhat simplistic.

Overall, Yellowface is an enjoyable and thought-provoking novel that is well worth reading. However, readers should be aware of its flaws before reading it.

I would like to add, not only did I read this book, I also listen to that audio version and the narrator actually enhance the experience for me. It made me think more about the subtle and yet complex layers of what truth is.
"...Truth is fluid. There is always another way to spin the story but it does not erase someone's voice..." R.F. Kuang

Triggers ⚠️: diaspora, canceled culture, woke, racism, suicide, rape, and cyber bullying.

Writing Style: 3.5/5
Plot: 3.5/5
Pace: 3.5/5
Characters: 4/5
Intrigue: 4/5
Enjoyment: 4/5

Thank. you to Netgalley and William Morrow Publishing and Harper Audio for my e-copies for an honest review.

Wow, I've definitely not read anything like this before.
Although some may be controversial, I really agree with most of the points R.F. Kuang put across this book. The way she shows the hate through social media, and how much people seem to have fun hating on someone else, and the impact of all that hate on the authors kind of makes me feel bad for all the times I left a 1 star review for a book

Good concept. However; it really didn't do much for me. I gave it a 7 because there was potential. The ending was pretty flat and I expected a twist that would ignite the story a bit. Overall a decent read.

I didn’t want to pick this up but I’m so glad I did! What a great read!