A review by whimsical_wombat
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
challenging
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
4.0
An engaging, quick read. Athena Liu is an ever-present, fleshed out, and yet mysterious figure throughout the book. It almost made me feel bad for the main character, to be overshadowed even in her own point of view. However, June repeatedly chooses to dig herself into a hole over and over, draping laughably transparent lies over herself in order to pursue fame and money.
Spoiler
It struck me as sad that, despite June's insistence that Athena isn't a close friend and she has other friends, June never interacted with any other friends, or even mentioned them. The way she worked to justify lies was infuriating. Essentially, it is a first person view of descent into Twitter brain rot and white victimhood. The worst part for me is that I felt like I could have become like June if I had different influences telling me it was okay to present myself as Chinese (I took Mandarin classes in high school and college and love a lot of things about Chinese history, art, and culture) for personal gain.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Racism, Grief, Cultural appropriation, Vomit, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Rape and Violence