Yellowface by R. F. Kuang
Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins UK for the advance reader copy of Yellowface by R. F. Kuang.
The story follows authors June Hayward and Athena Liu both were at the same year of Yale, both had their debut published on the same year. However Athena is classed as a literary darling and June didn't even get a paperback release on her book.
When June witnesses Athena's death in a freak accident she impulsively steals her just finished experimental novel on the unsung contributions of Chinese labourers to the British and French during World War 1.
June edits Athena's novel and sends it to her agent. She gets a new publisher and rebrands as Juniper Song complete with a new ethnically ambiguous author photo. After all doesn't this piece of history need to be told no matter who by.
However June is stuck in Athena's shadow and evidence emerges threatening to bring June's successes down around her. How far will June go to protect her secret?
After struggling to get through Babel I thought I would give another of Rebecca's books a go and I am glad that I did.
I finished this book in a day and found it an enjoyable read which raises debate and social commentary on alot of important topics surrounding the publishing industry and diversity.
I really enjoyed the in depth look into the background of the publishing industry. This book is told from June's perspective in first person and while you know that it is not going to end well you just cannot stop reading.
June is not a saint she is two faced and dishonest and it is amazing the lengths she goes too to manipulate those around her and the narrative to keep hold of the success she has achieved from the stolen manuscript.
I also found it fascinating how we learnt more about Athena's character as the book went on through the perspective of June and how her character is crafted through these experiences and memories.
This book definitely felt like a social commentary on how the world of publishing works and an authors struggles within it and I was gripped by this!
Overall I really enjoyed this book and I look forward to seeing what R. F. Kuang comes out with next!
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