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I finished Yellowface by Rebecca F Kuang a while ago and have been trying to process my thoughts about it. What I say will be slightly spoilery, so if you want to go into the book totally fresh turn away now. But I won't reveal big spoilers.
The book is one of the most gobsmacking I have ever read, with an unreliable narrator, and multiple reveals leading me to think things like OMG or WTF repeatedly. I almost didn't want to keep reading early on, it was so shocking, but it was a real page turner, and I had to know what happened.
At its heart the book is about a case of plagiarism, or just downright literary theft to be blunt. And fundamental to it is the issue of race and racism, including cultural appropriation. However it's also a blistering critique of numerous aspects of the publishing industry, reflections on the writing experience, and a critique of our modern social media driven world.
In many ways reading it is like watching a slow-motion car crash. It's not an easy read. But what it says is so important, and done so very well. It's also a thriller, with unexpected elements. And I would recommend it without question.
I could say more, but that way lies spoilers. And I think going in without knowing too much detail about the plot is best for the reader. It's a fairly short read, but a real rollercoaster ride. So yes, a very uncomfortable book in many ways, but such an important one, and absolutely well worth reading.
The book is one of the most gobsmacking I have ever read, with an unreliable narrator, and multiple reveals leading me to think things like OMG or WTF repeatedly. I almost didn't want to keep reading early on, it was so shocking, but it was a real page turner, and I had to know what happened.
At its heart the book is about a case of plagiarism, or just downright literary theft to be blunt. And fundamental to it is the issue of race and racism, including cultural appropriation. However it's also a blistering critique of numerous aspects of the publishing industry, reflections on the writing experience, and a critique of our modern social media driven world.
In many ways reading it is like watching a slow-motion car crash. It's not an easy read. But what it says is so important, and done so very well. It's also a thriller, with unexpected elements. And I would recommend it without question.
I could say more, but that way lies spoilers. And I think going in without knowing too much detail about the plot is best for the reader. It's a fairly short read, but a real rollercoaster ride. So yes, a very uncomfortable book in many ways, but such an important one, and absolutely well worth reading.