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Disclaimer: The following review contains spoilers for the novel “Yellowface” by R.F. Kuang.
I have just finished reading a book that left me with a mixture of emotions and thoughts swirling in my mind. Yellowface by R.F. Kuang is a captivating and, at times, horrific novel that delves into a woman’s desperation for literary success. Let me share my personal take on this unique and thought-provoking story.
It’s worth mentioning that Reese’s Book Club chose Yellowface as its July selection, and I find it quite meta and intriguing that they did. This novel is one of those reads that doesn’t fit into the category of a joyful experience, yet it remains compelling. The writing is strong, and the topics it tackles are entirely relevant, making it a potential catalyst for engaging discussions.
When I first picked up Yellowface, I had certain expectations in mind. I thought it would be more of a psychological thriller fiction, but it turned out to be something entirely different. This book is a satire that blends truth, bizarre elements, and demanding questions that challenge the reader’s perspective.
The Story
The story revolves around June Hayward and Athena Liu, two friends from college who share immense literary aspirations. While Athena’s debut novel skyrockets to tremendous success, June’s book struggles to make any sales. June finds herself consumed by jealousy, believing that Athena’s race is the sole reason for her status as the “it girl” of the literary world.
Everything takes a drastic turn when June witnesses Athena’s shocking death. Seizing the opportunity, she steals Athena’s just-finished masterpiece, an experimental novel about the contributions of Chinese laborers in World War I.
June takes on the task of editing Athena’s work, submitting it to her agent as her own. She even allows the publisher to rebrand her as Juniper Song, complete with an ambiguously ethnic author photo. But June soon realizes that she can’t escape Athena’s shadow, and mounting evidence threatens to expose her stolen success.
Through June’s Eyes
What makes Yellowface truly fascinating is that we experience the entire story through June’s perspective. We see Athena and the publishing industry through her lens. This approach is both intriguing and challenging, especially considering that R.F. Kuang, the author of Yellowface, is Chinese American, writing from the perspective of a white woman fraught with microaggressions.
Through June’s narrative, R.F. Kuang sheds light on the hypocrisy of the publishing industry. She weaves fictional storytelling around real-life scandals, like the controversy surrounding American Dirt, creating a compelling and cringe-inducing narrative that feels all too real.
While I would have appreciated more insight into Athena’s character, perhaps through a prologue or an epilogue from her perspective, I understand that the lack of clarity was intentional. We are meant to see the story through June’s unreliable narration and witness the mental gymnastics she performs to justify her actions.
Publisher’s Influence
June’s delusions are astonishing. She refuses to feel guilty about taking Athena’s unfinished manuscript, convinced that her editing and ownership make it acceptable. She convinces herself that she’s doing Athena a favor. It’s uncomfortable being inside June’s headspace, but it adds a layer of complexity to the story.
One of the most chilling aspects is how the publisher alters the manuscript, bringing in a white savior character and removing the harsher, more realistic elements. The decision to change June’s name to Juniper Song is cringe-worthy but reflects the unsettling reality of publishing. I encourage readers to explore the context behind the author of American Dirt for a deeper understanding.
Final thoughts
Yellowface covers themes of racism, cultural appropriation, and the influence of social media. It prompts self-reflection and challenges our biases. While I felt slightly let down by the climax and ending, the overall novel is unique and dynamic, offering a compelling exploration of the publishing industry.
If you have any interest in the world of publishing, I highly recommend giving Yellowface a read. It’s a quick book that will leave a lasting impression, making you ponder its themes long after you turn the final page.