Yellowface

Absolutely fell in love with this book and it’s interesting plot. I was sucked into it immediately until it felt completely dragged on. The ending was extremely predictable. Wouldn’t recommend.

After reading the contrived and desperate Babel by the same author I don’t think I need to read this.

(English is not my first language, overlook my mistakes, please) I couldn’t stop reading! This book is fun, refreshing and… it’s so eloquently and vulnerable narrated that, it makes you be on the villain side (?). I really enjoyed this book :).

Looked forward to reading this book because of all the hype. I could not get past my extreme dislike for the main character. I kept hoping for some surprise twist in the end but it didn’t come.

This book took a twist that was at times creepy and completely unpredictable. Beautiful writing and unique storyline. The ending was too abrupt for me, but allows you to craft your own ending.

Love her writing style but the best part of the book was the beginning… hoped the fun would continue through the book, but i was left feeling like “that’s it?!”

R. F. Kuang’s “Yellowface” is a refreshing new and current take on culture appropriation. We watch a main character go through a psychological devolution from the firecracker of an open line to the last. Our main character sits square in the grey area and makes us question every side of the argument. Juniper is a “Karen” by accident and a deserving target because of her need for approval over her moral convictions.    Juniper’s personal failings and her relationships are the perfect dramatic canvass. R.F. Kuang uses that backdrop to expand upon her social commentary. Kuang uses the plot developments and character arcs to dive deep into analysis on the literary world. Making you wonder how much of her musings were personal. In a way, her critique extends to the readers, the authors, the publishers, and everything between. You cannot help but reflect on how much you are a part of the problems in what makes a book “successful.” The most refreshing part of this book is how Kuang provides a clever take on the cultural zeitgeist. She addresses “Cancel Culture,” social media, and what reputation means in the digital age. No one comes out looking like a hero and the judgement and accusations are at times, worse than the crime. The stripping away of context is what devolves truth and facts. Creating room for performative activists to fill the gaps. I appreciate that Kuang fills in the context over time but leaves us to make our own judgements on all the characters and situations. Her style is easy to read and engaging. Without spoiling it the book's twists and turns also blur the lines of which genre you would place it in. The book reminds me a lot of “Tomorrow, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow” and how it explores on the creative process. Kuang writing the perspective of a White woman, who stole work from an Asian woman, echoes the Robert Downey Jr. take on Black Face in "Tropic Thunder." It challenges every thing you think about authenticity and who gets to tell a story about a culture. I recommend "Yellowface" for anyone interested in the behind the scenes of the literary world. You will also get a great critique on the perils of social media. Most important, you will leave with at least new questions on cultural appropriation.

Borderline thought provoking; easy to read and finish; perfect rhythm and plot unravel. More of a beach-read than its promotional focus on racial conflict.

Rebecca does it again !! This book was out of this world. A must read I’m still reeling from it.

😝unrealistic ramblings of a narcissist