A review by hbrxnnxmxn
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

dark funny tense fast-paced

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

5.0

I could not put this book down. R. F. Kuang is a masterful writer; the thesis of the plot necessitates characters that are written with such complexity, and she certainly rises to the occasion. June is insufferable, vile in so many ways, yet the writing for her perfectly captures her own flawed logic, how she (unconsciously and consciously) manipulates the narrative around her, and justifies her actions. While we don’t spend a ton of direct time with Athena, even her character is incredibly complex from the views we do get. Kuang expertly creates a world in which we can have empathy and yet disgust, where we can see characters like Athena as well-intentioned yet flawed, or dealing with their own complexity identity development. I don’t know much about the publishing industry but the meta components to this book were fascinating; this story felt real and timely without feeling cliche or overdone. Further, I felt I learned quite a bit from the meta components as well - I too didn’t know Chinese migrant workers were involved in WW1. 

Overall, this book is an absolute master class on creating complex, intriguing POV social thrillers and unreliable / self absorbed narrators. Certainly makes me eager to read more of Kuang’s works.