Yellowface

by R.F. Kuang

To be honest, I’ve been frightened to read Rebecca’s work untill recently. The first book of the Poppy War series and Babel are both on my bookshelf for quite some time now. I thought her work would be too smart, difficult or scholarly for me after reading some reviews online which implied just that. However, I was pretty impressed at the appearance of her new work recently.

When browsing my library’s ebook catalogue, I noticed Yellowface on there with quite some hold time so I made myself put the book on my hold list since I was pretty curious about her work overall and it did seem more up my ally. Not too long after, I received the notification that I could lend it out so I quickly loaded the file onto my ereader and dove into this piece of art.

I finished the book within a week. Safe to say I was intrigued with the story overall and even with how it held me in its grip. I thought about Juniper’s behavior at multiple times throughout the day and questioned the absolute majority of her actions and thoughts.

I learned a great deal more about racism and cultural appropriation, its twists and nuances even in publishing. I haven’t been able to give it much thought in the past, but this work really opens up the possibility to discussions and asking questions about the nuance of racism and cultural appropriation in the publishing world specifically.

I loved Rebecca’s writing style and pace in this work. Her writing is crystal clear and the story urges the reader to read with a critical eye at every turn of the page. I loved to be so involved in a way and not just to read the printed words, but to really read actively and questioningly.

I’m more than ever sure that I’ll read more of Rebecca’s work while thoroughly enjoying it. I’m ready to be so much more diving into her world and words.