A review by rachaelcandoit
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

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

This was one of those books that I was nervous to get into because of how talked about it is. 

This book feels like a car crash I couldn't look away from. I deeply disliked many of the characters and was honestly fascinated at their story. 

I think it's incredibly admirable for Kaung to write at story like this showcasing such an antagonistic perspective. I loved seeing the internal workings of the publishing industry too. 

Honestly with how much this book is talked about it I was expecting to find it more controversial and didn't really. I do think that some ideas could've been expanded upon or made more introspective but I still thoroughly enjoyed it. 

My only super tiny gripe is that I don't love the narrator speaking directly to the reader. It took me a while to get into the story because of it. I also don't love the overt foreshadowing. These are my personal preferences and if they don't bother you then you won't find an issue here. 

Otherwise really loved the book and it's messaging.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings