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A review by bites_of_books
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
To me this felt like the perfect combination and balance of horror and satire. The horror of being in the POV of someone who is truly out of touch with reality to start and who then starts to spiral into a different reality was impeccably done.
We follow June, a white woman who steals the finished draft of a novel written by a successful Asian American writer who suddenly dies. It is truly mind-blowing to see all of this unfold from her perspective as she doesn't have an inkling on why certain things are unacceptable and also how she so easily justifies her actions.
There is a lot of commentary on the publishing industry, the way that publishing houses decide to publish books and also the way the the public reacts to the books published. There's also the aspect of culture, who can write certain stories, and also representation in media and publishing.
Definitely a great book to read for avid readers as well as anyone who has ever thought about writing a book and trying to publish via traditional publishing.
Also, if you have read RF Kuang's other books, there are some Easter eggs that were really fun to catch.
We follow June, a white woman who steals the finished draft of a novel written by a successful Asian American writer who suddenly dies. It is truly mind-blowing to see all of this unfold from her perspective as she doesn't have an inkling on why certain things are unacceptable and also how she so easily justifies her actions.
There is a lot of commentary on the publishing industry, the way that publishing houses decide to publish books and also the way the the public reacts to the books published. There's also the aspect of culture, who can write certain stories, and also representation in media and publishing.
Definitely a great book to read for avid readers as well as anyone who has ever thought about writing a book and trying to publish via traditional publishing.
Also, if you have read RF Kuang's other books, there are some Easter eggs that were really fun to catch.