REVIEW - Yellowface audiobook

 

Yellowface by R. F. Kuang (audiobook)

OVERVIEW

This is one of those books that people have been talking about since it was published in May 2023. It is a raw and ugly portrayal of writers, editors, literary agents, and the publishing business. Also, the nastiness of social media plays a huge and horrible role in the direction and plot line of this novel.

The two main characters, Athena Liu and Juniper "June" Hayward are "frenemies". They both attended Yale together and reconnected after June moved to Washington D.C. A horrible accident occurs and June takes Athena's recently finished novel and portrays it as her own. Then the book really takes off with all the twists and turns and ups and downs. It is one crazy, wild ride. 

It was a gut-wrenching and sad tale of our society. Stereotyping, racism, and elitism are all tied together with the insanity of social media.

OVERALL REVIEW: 3.5 stars

Writing: 3.5 stars

The writing was just okay, but it was popular culture writing. It was written with all of the slang and foul language that Gen Z's use all the time. Additionally, it was a first-person narrative from June's point of view.

The problem for me was that the writing didn't dig deep enough for me. Without the deep dive, this novel was too superficial and just about writing and publishing. Why, really, were Athena and June friends? Were they really talented or did the publishing industry need another "next thing"? What caused Athena and June to be who they are - what happened in their lives? 

Overall, I am an outlier who just didn't "get" this book and what was so special about it. 

Narration: 4.0 stars

Helen Laser is a strong narrator. She really captured both Athena and June really well and brought them to life. Overall, it was a good listen, but more for the narration than the writing. 

Character Arc: 3.0 stars

I really wanted more. It was written in a somewhat chronological order, but there were some flashbacks. However, it just didn't get deep into the characters so we could understand who they were, why they behaved so horribly, and how they could justify the obnoxious things that they did. Without the background character information, it just didn't sit well with me. 

Memorable: 3.0 stars

The biggest thing for me is that we continue to learn nothing as a society about race, social media, and entitlement.

Entertaining: 3.5 stars

It was entertaining at times, but it was very dark and satirical. 

Book cover: 3.5 stars

It could have been so much more.

Book title: 4.0 stars 

Very good! 

Recommend

AUDIOBOOK DETAILS

Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow (audiobook)

Yellowface by R. F. Kuang

8 hours, 39 minutes

Release date of 5/16/2023

INFORMATIONAL LINKS

R. F. Kuang

My Goodreads review

HarperAudio

Los Angeles Public Library

Happy reading! 📚

Dorothea 💜