Today, we will be reviewing Yellowface by R. F. Kuang, the novel about the publishing world. Find out why this novel has social media buzzing and if you should read it next!
Yellowface Summary
June Hayward and Athena Liu are two friends, one white and one Chinese American that are sort of friends. Athena is a successful author that is a star in the literary world while June has struggled to find success and is jealous of Athena.
But everything changes for June one night when Athena dies and June steals her manuscript about a novel about Chinese laborers in World War I. The novel propels June into stardom and she finally becomes the star she always dreamed of.
However, the authenticity of the novel is questioned and June is afraid her secret will be exposed and her career ruined. As she tries to handle the flames of the controversy surrounding her novel, the ghost of Athena haunts her, threatening to unravel everything June has accomplished.
Yellowface Was Almost Never Published
Even before the novel was published, it was almost shut down. Kuang’s literary agent tried to dissuade her from publishing it because it was an attack on the publishing industry. But Kuang was determined to publish this novel and her decision seems to be the right one.
I love the openness of calling out the publishing industry for its shortcomings. The novel sparked a lot of conversation when it was released. It also needs to lead to some much-needed changes. Kuang wrote the novel based on her experiences and what many non-white authors experience on a day-to-day bases.
We don’t often see novels like Yellowface because they normally wouldn’t see the light of day. The novel is a great inside look at how the publishing industry works and all of its flaws. Kuang is slowly becoming a household name as she effortlessly changes genres without losing a step.
The Risk of Writing Yellowface
When I heard that Kuang wrote Yellowface, a psychological fiction novel, I was surprised at first. I know her best for her latest fantasy novel, Babel and also read her previous fantasy novel The Dragon Republic. Those novels should have been a message to everyone, however, that Kuang doesn’t hold back when it comes to criticism.
In most of her novels, Kuang often calls out oppressers and systems at work that are racist, flawed, and or are injust. In Babel, while it may be a fantasy novel, Kuang is attacking the colonization of other countries by the United Kingdom. That is the overarching plot of the novel, overthrowing an oppressive regime that is using other countries for their resources.
The theme of being used and discarded after appears in Yellowface. Being a writer is difficult as it is but when you have to navigate the publishing world that is flawed and has a heirarchy that benefits certain people, it can hinder a writer. But a writer has the strongest tool at their disposal which is the pen and Kuang is never afraid to call out anyone when they are in the wrong.
Conclusion
If you wanted to get a glimpse of the publishing industry, then you will love Yellowface. The honesty and commentary by Kuang feel personal and has led to some important discourse. We will have to wait and see if it brings any changes. The novel is a fun ride and will make you devour it as you wonder what will happen to June. Happy reading!
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