A review by cameronreads
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
4.0
I was slightly sceptical going into this solely because it’s really not my genre, but I’m so glad I put my faith in RF Kuang. I think she was the perfect person to write this book, and executed it incredibly well.
Reading June’s story was at the same time flabbergasting, because how can she really be thinking like this (‘I have been victim to people like Candide and Diana and Adele: people who think that, just because they’re “oppressed” and “marginalised”, they can do or say whatever they want. That the world should put them on a pedestal and shower them with opportunities. That reverse racism is okay. That they can bully, harass, and humiliate people like me, just because I’m white…’ like girl WHAT) and yet also so truthful of so many myths that white people truly believe - that POCs are really at an advantage because of companies looking for ‘diversity’ for example. It was almost agonising to read from June’s point of view, and know it is reflected in so many. I hope that those who do think this way read this book and realise how utterly ridiculous they sound.
The book also manages to be a really interesting critique of the publishing industry and the struggles of POC in this industry. There are so many struggles that side characters face that June practically sweeps under the rug but is so glaring clear to the reader - why is it so hard to insist white authors should have a sensitivity reader? Why do publishers feel like they can only have one author of each marginalised group at once? It’s a testament to Kuang’s talent that she can address these issues despite the fact that June is our main character.
The writing style in this is very different to Kuang’s other books, but I think her tone works well in it. It’s definitely not my favourite style (which is completely personal preference) but it works well for the book. I also think the pacing worked well, and I like how it started feeling almost supernatural as June started descending into paranoia. The ending worked well for the book too - it is at once unbelievable and believable that June can still believe she is in the right here, fitting for the tone of the rest of the book.
I think RF Kuang did a great job with this genre shift, and whilst I personally prefer her fantasy (fantasy being my preferred genre) I think anyone who enjoys this kind of contemporary thriller will love this one.
Reading June’s story was at the same time flabbergasting, because how can she really be thinking like this (‘I have been victim to people like Candide and Diana and Adele: people who think that, just because they’re “oppressed” and “marginalised”, they can do or say whatever they want. That the world should put them on a pedestal and shower them with opportunities. That reverse racism is okay. That they can bully, harass, and humiliate people like me, just because I’m white…’ like girl WHAT) and yet also so truthful of so many myths that white people truly believe - that POCs are really at an advantage because of companies looking for ‘diversity’ for example. It was almost agonising to read from June’s point of view, and know it is reflected in so many. I hope that those who do think this way read this book and realise how utterly ridiculous they sound.
The book also manages to be a really interesting critique of the publishing industry and the struggles of POC in this industry. There are so many struggles that side characters face that June practically sweeps under the rug but is so glaring clear to the reader - why is it so hard to insist white authors should have a sensitivity reader? Why do publishers feel like they can only have one author of each marginalised group at once? It’s a testament to Kuang’s talent that she can address these issues despite the fact that June is our main character.
The writing style in this is very different to Kuang’s other books, but I think her tone works well in it. It’s definitely not my favourite style (which is completely personal preference) but it works well for the book. I also think the pacing worked well, and I like how it started feeling almost supernatural as June started descending into paranoia. The ending worked well for the book too - it is at once unbelievable and believable that June can still believe she is in the right here, fitting for the tone of the rest of the book.
I think RF Kuang did a great job with this genre shift, and whilst I personally prefer her fantasy (fantasy being my preferred genre) I think anyone who enjoys this kind of contemporary thriller will love this one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Bullying, Cultural appropriation, Mental illness, Death, Panic attacks/disorders, and Racism
Moderate: Toxic friendship, Suicidal thoughts, and Sexual assault
Minor: War