What in the actual hell did I just read gdkjsghldf

In some ways, I think I've been let down by my expectations for the book, based on how the blurbs and buzz were describing it. I think I wanted a more active story of the things June was willing to do to bury the truth, when in reality, so much of the book can be boiled down to "the gossip mill says mean but kinda true things, June hyperventilates, problem goes away." This isn't inherently a negative, just not what I thought I was going to find in the book. But since the whole thing more or less happens in June's head, holy shit what a head to have put all that in, all the self-victimizing and woe is me for this terrible thing she did. June Hayward is absolute jealousy-ridden gutter trash, and I kind of live for it.

Thank you to Harper Collins Canada for the digital arc in return for an honest review.

Yellowface by R.F. Kuang is a dark satire about an unsuccessful white author who, after witnessing her very successful author friend's death, steals her manuscript and publishes it as her own. Then comes her descent into bad decision after bad decision. This book explores a lot of different topics such as, cancel culture and online drama, who gets to tell certain stories, and an interesting insight into the publishing industry.

I found a lot of the explorations into things such as ‘cancel culture’ to be really interesting and well done. So often when someone critiques cancel culture it is often only when they themselves have been ‘cancelled’ (aka been held accountable for their actions) and their main argument they have against it is just that it’s bad because there should be free speech and whatnot. Yellowface accurately represented how outrage by one side is often very much performative and has a short lifespan, moving from one drama to the next, rather than actually caring about the issue. I liked the way it showed that as soon as the ‘victim’ in the drama was shown to not be this perfect, flawless person, they started getting attacked and ‘cancelled’ as well, having the drama turn very quickly, before just moving on, allowing people to just get away with their actions. It also showed how right-wing media and personalities will use to outrage and promote the things being “cancelled”, particularly when these people are white and it has something to with race among other issues. This is something we witness so much online but I’ve never really seen reflected in any books or other media so it was interesting to see R.F. Kuangs take on this.

I’ll be candid and say that I am a big fan of R.F. Kuang, so I went into this book knowing I’d enjoy it. I found the character study of June to be well done and so fascinating, it’s essentially a book from the villain’s perspective, however she doesn’t seem to think she's the villain. She often defends her actions, and is trying to reason to the audience (and I think also herself) that something like stealing someone’s manuscript is actually a good thing. We follow her many bad decisions and the descent that that takes her on, being cancelled and trying to hide said decisions for example, and just leaves you waiting for it all to blow up in her face. She is at times almost laughably ignorant, saying something so tone deaf or racist and defending herself by saying she ‘voted for Biden’ or that she supports young asian authors, almost painting herself as the white saviour. Other times she seems to realise that she is the bad guy, but it got her to where she is and doesn’t seem to care anymore. It was interesting to see the outward mask she has where she tries to paint herself as progressive, caring about social issues, essentially a ‘leftist’, but inwardly she is very much the opposite, and much more conservative thinking and much more inline with a lot of right wing thinking. She represents something that actually occurs a lot in celebrities and public figures where they are just socially progressive. This outward mask could also be seen in other characters, most interestingly in Athena’s ex boyfriend and the movie producer team. It was a small detail, but I just found it very fascinating to see.

Despite my overall enjoyment of Yellowface, there are definitely a few issues I have. Some minor ones being that there were a few occurrences where I found the dialogue to just be cheesy and unbelievable, most memorable was early on when June sees an ad for her book in the subway I think it was and some people walking by say something along the lines of “that sounds super interesting, I might check that out”, loud enough for June to hear. Maybe it’s just me but it sounded like something that absolutely would never happen. Another one being that, while most of the time I thought she did a good job of toeing the line of comedy and commentary on people like June, there were some points where she just felt like a caricature rather than a well written character, that while they are definitely in the wrong, still feel real.

My last issue, which I’ve seen a few other people have, is a lot bigger and with the entirety of the book. Yellowface, as I’ve stated, follows June who steals Athena’s manuscript after she passes away. Athena is described as this very successful author, she’s pretty, talented and overall just seems to be perfect in every way. While the book does eventually show that Athena had many faults and definitely wasn’t perfect, a lot of the criticisms against this character are passed off as only jealousy. The problem here especially is that Athena is very similar to R.F. Kuang herself, R.F. Kuang as an author has been very open about putting a lot of herself into her work, and I think that’s great honestly. But a lot of the criticisms directed at Athena are ones that R.F. Kuang has received, and also seem to be very valid criticisms, not just jealousy or racism as this book tries to paint them as. The result of this is that it makes it difficult to criticise something for valid reasons without being grouped into the people that are genuinely just criticising it for those reasons.

I did really enjoy Yellowface, it was funny and provided a needed commentary and opened up a discussion on the publishing industry and how we interact with it online especially. I will definitely be continuing to read everything R.F. Kuang writes and Yellowface has cemented her as an author who can do more than just historical fantasy. I have my problems with it that I do think readers should keep in mind, but overall I think this book is really important and will leave you with a lot to think about.

I've never read a book from R.F. Kuang before, but after reading "Yellowface" I feel like I will be a frequent reader.

This book was more thought-provoking than I could have imagined. Having read stories centered around the morality and ethics involved in plagiarism, I wasn't really prepared for a point of view that would be any different from the ones I've read before.

This book, however, delves into aspects I hadn't considered before. Drenched in satire, R.F. Kuang explores the lonliness and pressure that can lead authors to make really awful decisions like plagiarism... but there is also an exploration of prejudice in the publishing industry, issues with inauthentic voices, etc.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of Kuang's works.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Yellowface is a novel where two women become friends in college, bonding over their future dreams to become an author. One of these friends becomes a famous author (Athena), and the other is left wanting more (June). One night, Athena dies while in June’s company and June makes the decision to steal Athena’s completed manuscript. The subsequent journey that R.F. Kuang takes us on addresses jealousy, racism, relationships, and the idea that the villain is the hero of their own story. Throughout the entire book the reader is told the story from June’s pov, and while this normally would lead the reader to be on their side - Kuang does not hold back in allowing the reader to see the missteps that are made by our narrator and the rationalizations that accompany them. Yellowface forces the reader to review their own biases and addresses racism, anti-racism, and the unconscious bias held by readers and the publishing industry. R.F. Kuang uses this novel to shed light on the inherent institutionalized issues in the publishing industry, and how we as readers, play a role in this.

I received a copy of Yellowface by R.F. Kuang from HarperCollins Canada in exchange for an honest review.

Whenever I am about to pick up a R.F. Kuang book, I know that I need to be emotionally, mentally, and physically ready. Each and every time, I am thrown into an immersive world created by R.F. Kuang - filled with characters that have so much depth and humanity. The stories pull me in, latch on, and then refuse to let me go until the end. Sometimes, not even after the story has technically finished on the pages as it continues to linger in my mind.

In Yellowface, we are introduced to two writers - June and Athena. The two started together but before they knew it, their writing careers went on two different trajectories. While Athena rose as the the darling of the literary world, June is struggling to even hold on to her publishers' interests in her books. When Athena suddenly dies, June finds Athena's unpublished work in her hands - and with some tweaks here and there - decides to publish it. For the world, for Athena, and maybe for herself as well. Suddenly, attention that she never got is being directed her way and before June realizes it, she is tangled in a web of her own lies trying to maintain her new image.

Having June as the unreliable narrator is such a trip for the reader. I found myself nodding along - like yes I can see why you would think that - while simultaneously wanting to strangle something (not someone as we are not murderous over here) because how can June even justify her decisions and actions in the way that she does? The story and narration was, at once, perfection, frustration, and completely engrossing.

Once again, R.F. Kuang has done it again. And if you came upon this review, and still haven't read any of her books - who are you? How are you even following and reading my reviews - of which I have reviewed all of R.F. Kuang's books - and still haven't picked up her books? Go read all her books even if they are the only books you ever read.

This book was a mixed bag for me. The premise reminded me of the book "The Plot" with themes of class and racism thrown in. The ending just didn't cut it for me, However, I do think this will make a great book for book clubs! Three stars.

I am now a fan of R.F. Kuang. I had no idea where this story was going but I loved every twist along the way. I will be recommending to readers who are open to suggestions - I find this one hard to describe or to label. So many things were going on here - racism, publishing industry, who to trust, modern controversies, and more. A great book that deserves a wide audience.

A fast-paced and un-put-down-able novel that offers truly biting commentary on the book industry, representation in media, and the path to success.

I’ve read a few novels lately in the vein of “what if a writer stole another writer’s idea” in one way or another, and I think this is my favorite one. It let the reader in on all the small choices leading up to the Big Choice, the rationalizing behind those choices, and, on a broader level, how people tune out anyone who questions their decisions and seek out people who will affirm them. It also used social media and texting in a way that didn’t feel annoying or stilted (which is more difficult than you may think, given how often we use it!). Lastly (as is likely obvious by the title and cover choices), it deals with themes of identity and who can/should tell certain stories without feeling like a rehashing of ~the discourse~, similar to how it deals with the idea of “cancellation.” I liked it a lot!

I wanted to like this book, since I loved Babel, but there was just no one to root for. I just felt so icky about all the characters and couldn't help but hope bad things happened to all of them.

In "Yellowface," Kuang has crafted a bold and obvious unreliable narrator that will pull into the envious, toxic environment of publishing. Between acts of ignorance, cruelty, and stupidity, I found myself sympathizing with June and reflecting on the morality of it all. I read this in a rush of two days, but have a feeling that it will sit with me for longer.

This book really just took me for a ride. I loved the build up, the character development, and the writing. I would definitely read more from this author!

I loved how much different this book was from Babel. The main character was so unlikeable yet the reader might root for her despite her bad decisions. Very compulsive read.

Book review: Sharp novel looks at who can tell what story
Ashley Riggleson Jun 18, 2023

In the acknowledgements of “Yellowface,” novelist R.F. Kuang calls her new work “a horror story about loneliness in a fiercely competitive industry.” And while that description is certainly apt, I found “Yellowface” to be so much more. I was engaged from start to finish.

As the novel opens, readers are introduced to Juniper Hayward (soon to be rebranded as Juniper Song). She is a struggling novelist with one mediocre book to her name, and she has no idea how to move forward. That all changes one night when she meets with her so-called “friend,” Athena Liu.

Athena is also a novelist, but unlike Junie, she has written more than one novel and has won critical acclaim for all her books. They meet for dinner and drinks, and when a freak accident leaves Athena dead in her apartment with an unfinished manuscript of her next book, Juniper sees an opportunity, and before she can think too much about it, she takes the manuscript with her.

That’s when things get complicated. June quickly realizes that she has stumbled onto something great, a novel that will bring her out of the obscurity she has known for so long. June sees that, while Athena’s manuscript is good, some alterations would make it great. And as she works, she begins to believe that her changes to Athena’s original story justify her next move, calling it her own.

Of course, this decision raises questions, the most obvious being, “What makes a novel yours?” But there’s more. Athena is an Asian American writer, and her manuscript tells the story of Chinese laborers during The Great War. June, though she is rebranded to seem otherwise, is a white woman whose only connection to this story lies in her hours of research. And so, Kuang also raises pertinent questions about cultural appropriation, asking “Who can tell what story?”

Intellectually speaking, “Yellowface” is a novel that is completely at odds with itself. I found it to be an elaborate thought experiment in which some of the most controversial issues in publishing are brought to the fore. But, although it is a cerebral text, it is also intense and suspenseful, as June slowly breaks under the pressure of her hoax. This profoundly disquieting novel is sure to win Kuang many new readers.

This review was originally printed in The Free Lance-Star in Fredericksburg, VA.

I finished this book late last night and still unsure how to bring my feelings about this book.

Firstly, I am not usually a thriller or satire reader. But, with this being Kuang, I knew I had to give it a shot, and I do not regret any of it.

Yellowface is a book you need to read without knowing much, I went in knowing that one character died by a piece of pancake, and that the other was a white woman who was stealing the identity of that character who died, and thats all you need to know.

Go in with a curious mind, and enjoy yourself, because it is a totally enraging but truth of how publishing and authors can be, and how it should be better.

10000/5 stars. Highly recommend.

A disturbing and introspective look at the person who goes too far. Kuang, known for her brilliant series The Poppy War, tackles racism, privilege, social media, and the publishing industry in this novel about a woman whose casual racism will make your toes curl. Aspiring author June Hayward seizes a deal with the devil when her friend and much more successful writer Athena Liu dies in a grotesque and unexpected accident - she steals Athena's manuscript draft and claims it as her own. As Athena's work focuses heavily on her Chinese heritage June grapples with issues of identity and appropriation. The rest of the book is Hayward desperately trying to prove her talent as she deals with the consequences of her theft and her conscience. It's a satirical take on liberals being racist, a very stern look at the influence of social media with unlikeable characters, and a scathing critique of the publishing industry. I don't know how much of this work comes from Kuang's lived experiences - according to reviews on Goodreads apparently a lot of it - but you can definitely see the hand of experience in a lot of the prose.

This book is not always a comfortable read and those who like characters they can root for will be disappointed. There is little redeeming in the main character and there really aren't any other characters who are drawn out enough to get to know. However, this book is a strong and well-written look at how one ill-intentioned act leads to another, and how self-justification works even in people who believe they are good.

This was a wild ride. June is the most insufferable, whiney main character, which makes reading and hoping for her downfall so weirdly enjoyable. But it never seems to come. Which makes this a hard read at times. The way she wiggles out of every controversy is annoying. And yet, at times, you get this twinge of sympathy while she's having her panic attack and spiraling - but it quickly goes away once she thinks of and implements her next harmful idea.

Normally books about books and writing really lean into the idea of putting literature on a pedestal. As a book lover, these kinds of books speak to me. But this one...June is constantly talking about how important writing is to her, but the way she treats it and manipulates it, made me think that maybe it isn't that important. The things she does are not warranted just to produce a piece of writing that will at best entertain someone. So, that's a weird feeling to have with a book.

Overall, the emotions Kuang elicits out of the reader with this story makes it a good read. There is a lot to unpack here and would make for a great book group discussion.

Everyone in book world needs to read this! Whether you are a reader, reviewer, author, publisher, publicist or whatnot – Yellowface covers it with so much wit, brilliance and accuracy.

I was gripped from the start and flew through it all! It's such a highly riveting page-turner with not one dull moment. I loved June's voice and as intentionally tone-deaf as she appears to be, I feel that she makes some really valid points too. Like yeah, I love representation but why are ownvoices suddenly made out to be the 'in' thing?

Kuang does a fantastic job in exploring complex issues as well as seeing both sides of an argument with nuance and depth e.g. does an author have the right to write about experiences that they have not personally lived through? The underlying commentary is really quite something else.

I'm not quite eloquent enough to put across just how multi-layered, clever and sharp this novel is, but highly recommend it! This is my first RF Kuang book but certainly not my last. Just what have I been missing out on?

If you like books featuring…
—the publishing industry
—satirical dark humor
—unreliable narrators

For fans of…
—The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest
—I Hate Suzie (HBO)

This main character is one of the most reprehensible people that I have seen outside of a Disney villain. It’s not so much what she does, but the fact that she never recognizes that what she’s doing is wrong. She has pretty strong white privilege energy throughout. I also feel like this author is incredibly brave, taking on the mercurialness of the publishing industry and how best sellers are designed, not written. I also appreciate her, taking white people to task for thinking that they are the only people who can write history. I really like how she writes, how she keeps the plot moving forward lightning fast, and how Athena becomes such a strong character, even after dying in the first couple pages of the book. She may actually be the main character, because in some ways, it isn’t our protagonist (who proves that that word does NOT mean “hero”). June is the one who tells us the story, and she’s the main catalyst for the plot, but the character that has the most impact on what happens throughout is Athena. I’m looking forward to reading Babel because I really like Kuang‘s writing style, but I really hope that the hero in that does not make me want to punch them through the page. I took one star off because the villain was incredibly predictable and because I feel like there’s a few things that would’ve happened quite differently in the real world.