Fiction: Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

8.5/10 

Dear Reader, 

This book elicited the strangest feelings in me. I didn’t know who to hate more, where to draw the lines, or what to believe.  There were so many characters to hate and love and relate to. 

This is the first time I’ve loved a book where I hated the protagonist. June is not a likable character, and honestly doesn’t have redeeming qualities, but she is relatable. She describes the cut throat world of writing, and how as writers we have a need for sharing stories. She also perfectly encapsulates the feeling that is writing and how it completely takes someone over, how when writers are young they get snippets of ideas and never full stories, and even the longing feeling wanting to publish and spread your word. 

Actually, this is the first time I’ve read a book where I disliked pretty much every character. Athena, Geoff, June, Brett, everyone. But the thing is, most of these people were just playing the cards they were dealt, and that’s what makes it hard to dislike them. Still, I disliked them greatly.

This book brings up some interesting conversations about white authors writing around stories that center BIPOC people. This book also allows for conversations about plagiarism, racism, cancel culture, and so much more. I enjoyed this story so much, because it welcomed so many different topics in a fluid harmonious way. 

-Grace Sofia