Book Summary:
Yellowface follows June Hayward, a struggling white writer who witnesses the sudden death of her friend, Athena Liu, a brilliant and celebrated Asian American author. In a split-second decision, June steals Athena’s unpublished manuscript and publishes it under the ambiguous name “Juniper Song.” As June’s literary star rises, she’s forced to navigate a world of fame, guilt, and mounting suspicion. What unfolds is a razor-sharp exploration of cultural appropriation, privilege, identity, and the cutthroat world of publishing, all told through the eyes of a deeply flawed, unreliable narrator.
👀 First Impressions:
This book is wild, in the best way. I went into Yellowface knowing it would tackle big, thorny topics, but I didn’t expect it to be this sharp, addictive, and unsettling. From the very first chapter, it pulls you into the messy world of publishing, privilege, and cultural appropriation, and it’s impossible to look away. As someone who enjoys character-driven, provocative novels, I was hooked right away and couldn’t wait to see just how far things would spiral.
✅ What I Liked:
June Hayward is the kind of narrator you love to hate, selfish, insecure, and delusional in the most fascinating way. As the story progressed, I found myself growing to actively dislike her, which actually made the reading experience even more compelling. Watching her twist herself into knots trying to justify every terrible decision was like witnessing a slow-motion train wreck. R.F. Kuang does an incredible job of making you cringe while still keeping you glued to the page.
One of the biggest strengths of the book is how it skewers the publishing world, from the politics of who gets a seat at the table to the brutal realities of online discourse and social media pile-ons. The commentary feels brutally realistic, especially in how it captures the speed and intensity of public backlash and cancel culture. The writing is sharp, darkly funny at times, and packed with biting observations.
❎ What Didn’t Work for Me:
I’ll hold back on details here for fear of spoilers, but I will say some parts dragged a little and I wanted more from the ending.
📚 Why You Should Read This Book:
If you love morally messy characters, dark humor, and books that make you think, Yellowface is absolutely worth picking up. It’s a razor-sharp look at privilege, identity, authorship, and the ugly side of the creative world. This is the kind of novel that sparks conversations and lingers in your mind long after you finish. Whether you’re drawn in by the scandal, the social critique, or just a juicy, propulsive plot, there’s a lot here to chew on.
💭 Overall Thoughts:
Yellowface is clever, thought-provoking, and uncomfortably entertaining. It’s a book that made me wince, laugh, and reflect, sometimes all in the same chapter. While not perfect, it’s one of those novels that sticks with you and makes you eager to discuss it with others. Highly recommended if you want something smart, edgy, and a little bit ruthless.
Final Rating ★★★★☆ Smart, satirical, and razor-sharp, a bold commentary on authorship, race, and the publishing world that’s as entertaining as it is uncomfortable.
🛍️ Where to buy:
To buy your own copy of Yellowface vist HERE
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