Reviews with content warning for War - Yellowface

Overall, I liked it more than I disliked it. I understand June is written as a narrator to be hated, as she's very obviously prejudiced against Asian people (specifically Chinese). It was so satisfying seeing her squirm and get justice at various points in the story. I understand why this book captured so many people's attentions: R.F. Kuang is a talented author, and it was interesting to get a glimpse into the publishing world through this almost subversive lens. Yet at the same time, I had a hard time actually "liking" the book because of the narrator and the lack of likable characters in general.

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superraven666's review against another edition

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dark informative tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Really interesting, dark, and makes you think a lot ! I'd really like to read more of Rebecca F. Kuang's novels!

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navayiota's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional informative reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Brilliant, like everything else she writes. I felt pulled to continue the story at every second of the day.
Kuang inspires me to write, every word she lays on the page is like a string pulling at my heart, urging me to follow along. Her work makes me believe, for a second, that I too, could create something amazing. And at the same time I feel unbelievably silly and inexperienced. That's all I have to say. A Must-Read.

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_dina's review against another edition

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dark emotional informative reflective sad tense medium-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

3.75

I understand what the author wanted to do with such an unlikable narrator, and she did it extremely well, but that made the book a bit difficult for me to get through at times. It’s just not something I enjoy reading. The commentary felt a bit heavy handed at times as a WOC but the reading experience will be different for every reader I suppose.

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nicolinebl's review against another edition

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adventurous 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

4.5

Even nurturing a reading slump and several migraines, I flew through this book. If that doesn't tell you how good and compelling it was, I don't know what will.

Content Warnings

m_cant_read's review against another edition

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challenging dark reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Oh my lord, this book did everything it set out to do.

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