Athena Liu is a literary darling and June Hayward is literally nobody.
White lies
When Athena dies in a freak accident, June steals her unpublished manuscript and publishes it as her own under the ambiguous name Juniper Song.
Dark humour
But as evidence threatens June’s stolen success, she will discover exactly how far she will go to keep what she thinks she deserves.
Deadly consequences…
What happens next is entirely everyone else’s fault.
With its totally immersive first-person voice, Yellowface grapples with questions of diversity, racism, and cultural appropriation, as well as the terrifying alienation of social media. R.F. Kuang’s novel is timely, razor-sharp, and eminently readable.
Yellowface unfolds as a gripping tapestry of emotions, invoking a visceral response dominated by an overwhelming sense of rage. The narrative skillfully portrays June Hayward as a character steeped in entitlement and jealousy, weaving a tale that feels uncomfortably close to the bone. RF Kuang, renowned for her emotional acuity, ensures that every nuance is felt, turning the pages into a rollercoaster of self-discovery and societal critique.
While the narrative deftly explores themes of entitlement, racism, and cultural appropriation, my one lingering disappointment stems from the potential for a more nuanced conclusion. The anticipation for a mind-bending twist or a thrilling climax was palpable, and in this regard, Yellowface fell slightly short. Nevertheless, the ending, though not the dramatic spectacle I envisaged, possessed an oddly satisfying quality, leaving a haunting resonance.
In the broader context of its storytelling, Yellowface emerges as a poignant exploration of jealousy, self-awareness, and the repercussions of one’s actions. The intricacies of the characters and the thought-provoking themes are threaded seamlessly throughout. Thus, despite the narrative not reaching the pinnacle of a jaw-dropping finale, its lasting impact is undeniable.
And yet, in the tapestry of both disappointment and admiration, I find myself bestowing a commendable 4-star rating upon Yellowface. This is a testament to the commendable storytelling, the emotional rollercoaster skillfully orchestrated by Kuang, and the depth with which she addresses complex societal issues. The novel earns its stars by compellingly weaving together a narrative that demands introspection and leaves an indelible mark on the reader’s psyche. Yellowface stands as a testament to RF Kuang’s storytelling prowess, skillfully balancing the exploration of emotions and societal commentary with finesse.
The Queen Reads♕ 