Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

Title: Yellowface
Author: R.F. Kuang
Publisher: William Morrow
Genre: Satire, Contemporary Fiction
Year of Publication: 2023
Date of Publication: May 16, 2023
Pages: 336
ISBN-10: 0063250837
ISBN-13: 978-0063250833

Summary

Main Plot & Characters

Yellowface centers on June Hayward, a struggling author, who witnesses the sudden death of her successful friend, Athena Liu.

Acting impulsively, June steals Athena’s unpublished manuscript. The manuscript is a historical novel about Chinese laborers in World War I. June goes ahead and publishes it as her own, rebranding herself as Juniper Song.

Initially, June revels in her success, but guilt and fear of exposure intensify as she faces questions of cultural appropriation, racial identity, and ethical responsibility.

The story follows June as she confronts the public’s growing suspicion, particularly on social media, which heightens her paranoia and desperation.

Key Themes

• Cultural Appropriation: The novel examines the exploitation of marginalized voices and the commodification of cultural stories for commercial gain.
• Identity and Authenticity: Through June’s actions, Kuang explores the question of who has the right to tell certain stories.
• Social Media and Accountability: The novel highlights how social media can amplify controversies, holding individuals accountable while examining the destructive potential of online backlash.

Writing Style

Kuang’s writing is laced with dark humor.

Through June’s first-person narration, readers gain insight into her rationalizations and insecurities.

Kuang balances satire with a serious critique of the publishing industry’s flaws, particularly around diversity and cultural representation.

Impact of Yellowface

Kuang’s critique of the publishing industry in Yellowface resonated with readers, leading to critical acclaim for its bold take on privilege, exploitation, and authenticity.

The novel’s exploration of identity and the pressures of social media earned it a place among 2023’s most discussed books. Source: TIME.

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