I finally got to read Yellowface. It’s been on my TBR since it was published and I was lucky enough to get a copy on book outlet during one of their sales. In this post, I’ll be sharing my thoughts on this popular book. Is it worth reading? Is it worth the hype? Well, keep reading.
FORMAT – Hardcover
PAGES – 336
DAYS IT TOOK TO FINISH – 2 DAYS
GENRE – SATIRE
AUTHOR – R. F KUANG
MY THOUGHTS
Yellowface unfolds the journey of June, a struggling Caucasian author grappling with the harsh realities of the publishing industry after a lackluster debut novel. Her ‘friend’ Athena, an Asian writer thriving in the same world, becomes both an inspiration and a source of envy for June. When Athena tragically passes away, June makes a controversial decision—she appropriates Athena’s manuscript, refines it, and publishes it under her own name. This audacious move propels June’s career from obscurity to stardom, but success comes at a cost as skepticism arises about the true authorship of the book.
While the narrative of Yellowface is satirical, offering insights into the cutthroat publishing realm, it also sheds light on the dynamics of social media—its superficial outrage, cancel culture, and the swift transition from one trending topic to another. Despite June’s lack of introspection and understanding of her ethical lapses, I found myself oddly hoping she won’t get caught but she kept sinking herself more and more into the mess. The novel is a fast-paced, engaging, and humorous read, capturing my attention enough to finish it in just two days. It’s an ideal choice for book clubs, providing ample material for thought-provoking discussions.
If you’ve read this one, let’s talk in the comments. Did you like it and what are your thoughts on the ending?
Not sure it’s still available on book outlet but you can sign up using my referral link to get $5 off your first purchase of over $25.
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