I have The Poppy War and Babel on my shelves waiting to be read but I’m a little intimidated to start them so Yellowface seemed like the perfect introduction to R.F Kuang’s writing and I wasn’t disappointed.

I actually went between reading the physical copy I own and listening to the audiobook (which I really enjoyed) when I was busy. It pretty much had me hooked from the first chapter. I throughly enjoyed the writing and the plot. There weren’t any likeable characters, but that was the point, although at one point I did start to feel a tiny bit sorry for Juniper but that quickly passed.

My only slight negative was the ending. As I said I was hooked throughout but the ending was a bit of an anticlimax for me, I actually said to myself ‘was that it’. So for that reason I’m leaning between 3.5-4 stars for my rating.

Yellowface is a book I wish I'd read so much sooner than I have - mostly due to book tours, which I'm now cutting back on to read more books I've already got and never get the chance to read.
We follow June, who's not had the breakthrough into the publishing world that she dreamed of having with her first novel. When an accident happens and she sees the opportunity to draft someone else's work into becoming that of her own, she jumps on it. June is white, and the author she plagiarises is Chinese American. But although June takes off into the publishing world with this stolen book, not everyone believes she's written it and after a class with someone on her team, she ends up landing herself in one situation after another. If this was a film, I'd have been peeping between my fingers at certain scenes, but because it was a book, I was shouting 'No. Don't do it', all the way through, then holding my breath for the unfolding of the fallout from her decisions and choices.
I loved the use of social media within this story too which made it that more believable and on point with the reactions of others, how opinions differ and people take sides too. I'm also very intrigued now about the publishing industry as a whole from some very interesting information and issues raised within this book.

I honestly don't know why it took me so long to read this book. Maybe I was afraid it wouldn't live up to expectations. It was absolutely amazing. I know a lot of people didn't like this book as the protagonist was unlikeable but that's the point. Really can't wait to read more from the author.

Yellowface is rather different for R F Kuang, who has previously only written fantasy books, and is now trying her hand at a sort of literary thriller. I've read both The Poppy War trilogy and Babel in the past, and would highly recommend both of those books.

Now onto Yellowface. It has the exact commentary that one would expect given how Kuang has previously portrayed topics like war and colonialism. Some may critique her depictions for being too on the nose, but in my opinion it does what it needs to do while leaving some things up for interpretation by the reader. I don't always mind when authors hold my hand to guide me through the mindfield that analysing books can be -- as long as they let me go eventually. She seems to make a habit of writing about morally gray characters -- although June in this book should fall into the "fully detestable" category -- and I enjoy it every time. There's something fascinating about watching a train wreck, and Yellowface pulls that whole idea and crafts a critique on the publishing industry around it. I was very compelled to keep going, and once I passed the 50% mark, I couldn't stop.

Would definitely recommend.

Really fantastic book, with an interesting premise and gripping writing style. And an amazing cover!

Yellowface is a complex, layered story that is totally shocking on the surface and super interesting underneath. June’s journey through publishing her late “friend” and POC Athena’s work as a white woman was a showcase of white privilege at its peak, and some of June’s thoughts and excuses for her behaviour literally had my jaw on the floor, gasping in horror etc etc. this almost black comedy style of writing was executed so well, and i was so invested from start to end. June was not a particularly likeable or reliable narrator, but neither was Athena’s character as the story evolved, and created a lot of messy discussions about right and wrong, privilege and misfortune, and the nature of the publishing industry itself. i think as a white person, it’s not my place to say how well/truthfully this book showcases, satirises or discusses the impacts of white privilege, but i will say that it made me think about my own unconscious biases and privileges. this is overall a really great book both in terms of entertainment and it’s social discussions!!

I was left disappointed with this one. I realize we're meant to hate June, but I didn't find anyone in this story to be likeable. I felt parts were drawn out and wasn't really satisfied with the ending.

This is an absolutely marvellous read that has very much given me a lot to think about! I was a little hesitant to start reading given how much hype this book has, I sometimes fear that it gives a book a lot to live up to, in the case of Yellowface, I'm not sure this story has received enough hype. I loved the setting, writing and publishing is an area than I'm sure many bookworms have daydreamed about being part of. I don't think I have a book in me that people would pay to read, maybe someday, but oh how I wish I did. The setting is perfectly chosen and there are a number of themes which are topical, important and relatable. Racism and cultural appropriation are difficult issues to unpick and as a white woman I fully appreciate I do not get to comment much about this and need to spend more time educating myself - for what it is worth, I really welcomed reading about these themes and considering how much more work there is to be done. Envy and the nefarious drive it can create is another major theme of the book and I thought this would be relatable to all readers, albeit in different and perhaps less extreme ways! This is both an easy and a challenging read - at surface level it's a great and entertaining story, delving more deeply, it is an important look at society, bias and greed. I loved it!

When Athena Liu dies in front of her, June Hayward is obviously devastated over her friend's death but doesn't tell anyone that right before she choked to death, June read the first few pages of Athena's manuscript - a story no-one else in the world has read or even knows about. Now June has Athena's novel with her, and with a few changes, she passes it on her own and becomes an instant bestseller - but then the critics come in, those that wonder about the similarities between 'Juniper Song's' book and previous work from Athena as well as the rightful critics of a white woman writing about Chinese history.

This was very readable, and I don't know if enjoyable is the right word because there were times I felt deeply uncomfortable with June's behaviour and some of the things she said, as well as highly embarrassed or anxious about everything was going to turn out. But I think if you didn't feel these things (especially as a white woman) you probably weren't getting the message of the book even though it's very clear.

As someone who has been reading books her entire life, and active in the book reviewing community for ten years, I did enjoy seeing the parts of the publishing industry that you don't get unless you work in the industry or you're an author.

June Hayward is not a likable character, and she's also quite an unreliable one and it does make the story quite fun as we really hope she does get caught out yet seemingly again and again, she gets away with it - and uses her white woman tears to full advantage. I also appreciated how RF Kuang explored how no matter what you do, or what you write (though let's be clear here, what June did was VERY wrong), you aren't going to please everyone and there will always be someone who will have a criticism somewhere as we see when some of the Athena haters come out even within the Asian-American community.

This is actually the first RG Kuang book I've read though her fantasy books have been on my TBR for ages and this is the final push I need to finally give them a go as the writing in this was sharp, entertaining and really compelling.

I was intrigued by this book when I requested it - a sneak peek into the publishing industry. But for a thriller it just fell flat and I was completely uninterested. It was just a big disappointment although it did highlight some of the issues that are rife within publishing.

I really enjoyed this book despite how uncomfortable the main character made me feel. This book gives an interesting perspective on the lives of writers trying to win that big publishing contract and how low some will stoop to get recognition. I really disliked the main character and all that she did, which demonstrates the skill in the authors writing as usually I would have stopped reading if I didn’t like the main character. Instead I wanted to find out what was going to happen to her.

A stunning and hilarious novel that I just couldn't put down! I would have read the entire thing in one sitting if I could have. Absolutely brilliant.

Loved this book and it was so highly anticipated! Would have given this five stars but felt it was slightly longer than maybe it should have been.

I love being given the opportunity to update our school library which is a unique space for both senior students and staff to access high quality literature. This is definitely a must-buy. It kept me absolutely gripped from cover to cover and is exactly the kind of read that just flies off the shelves. It has exactly the right combination of credible characters and a compelling plot thatI just could not put down. This is a great read that I couldn't stop thinking about and it made for a hugely satisfying read. I'm definitely going to order a copy and think it will immediately become a popular addition to our fiction shelves. 10/10 would absolutely recommend.

Yellowface by Rebecca F Kuang is a darkly humorous and compelling literary thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The premise is intriguing: June Hayward, an unknown figure, suddenly finds herself in possession of a manuscript left behind by the deceased literary darling, Athena Liu. The narrative is expertly crafted, with Kuang weaving a complex and absorbing story around themes of identity, ambition, and the lengths people will go to for success.

The characters are vividly drawn and multi-dimensional, particularly the enigmatic Athena Liu and the ambitious June Hayward. The plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns, and Kuang's storytelling shines through every page. Her prose is sharp, engaging, and full of dark humor.

What sets this book apart is its thoughtful exploration of identity and the commodification of culture in the literary world. It is a bold, unflinching look at the often unspoken realities of the publishing industry. The book is an impactful read, one that leaves a lasting impression long after the last page is turned.

Yellowface is a triumph, a masterfully told tale that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking. It is a testament to Kuang's talent as a writer and her ability to craft narratives that are both enjoyable and meaningful. This is a must-read for anyone who appreciates well-crafted fiction with a message. An easy 5-star rating for this brilliant book!

I didn’t expect to like this book but got swept into it and had to finish it. An exciting story about young women’s friendships without the cliches. Good on books, publishing, life and how things turn out. Lives up to the hype.

This book is unlike anything I’ve ever read and whilst the contents are unsettling at times, it is ever so relevant in our world today as R.F. Kuang writes about themes such as social networks and connections, racial identity and racism, authenticity and plagiarism, as well as cultural appropriation and cancel culture. ⁣
⁣
The book mainly centres around June Hayward, a struggling writer, and her friend, Athena Liu, who made it big in the literary world. When Athena dies in an accident in her apartment, June steals her unpublished manuscript and publishes it as her own under the ambiguous name Juniper Song. The rest of the book the revolves around how June is being presented with various threats to her success and what she would do to keep what she wants.⁣
⁣
“Writing is the closest thing we have to real magic. Writing is creating something out of nothing, is opening doors to other lands. Writing gives you power to shape your own world when the real one hurts too much. To stop writing would kill me.
⁣
…Writing has formed the core of my identity since I was a child. After Dad died, after Mom withdrew into herself, and after Rory decided to forge a life without me, writing gave me a reason to stay alive. And as miserable as it makes me, I'll cling to that magic for as long as I live.”⁣
⁣
My experience reading this book was like reading a psychological thriller that’s playing with your mind. You’re uncomfortable, but you couldn’t stop reading. Glad I picked it up.

I've had this sat on my shelf for months and months but couldn't bring myself to read it, that was until I saw a recommendation from a local independent bookshop.

I'd give this 3.5 out of 4, loved 80% but the last part seemed to trail off.

Thanks Netgalley!

Interesting premise and definitely an interesting read. The writing style didn't really gel with me which made the book feel much longer than it actually was, but the story itself and the characters created a good read.

R F Kuang is a genius!

This book did a realistic portrayal of modern day racism so well. It also handled issues in publishing and social media cancel culture so cleaverly.

June Hayward is unlikable right from the start and she quickly devolves into absolutely horrible.
The her publishers and agent also supported her whitewashing is appalling!

All in all, this book leaves no doubts in a reader's mind that everything about this character and what they are doing is extremely toxic.

I also liked the snippets of Chinese contribution to WWII cleaverly interwoven into the plot.