Yellowface by Rebecca F. Kuang: Exploring Race, Power, and Privilege in Modern Literature

Published by William Morrow, HarperCollins, 2024

Review:

Yellowface by Rebecca F. Kuang is a bold and sharp satire that explores complex themes of race, cultural appropriation, and the publishing industry’s power dynamics. The novel follows June Hayward, a struggling white author who, after witnessing the sudden death of her successful Asian-American colleague, Athena Liu, decides to steal Athena’s manuscript and publish it as her own. What follows is a harrowing, morally ambiguous journey that reveals the depths of privilege, deceit, and identity in modern literary circles.

Strengths:

• Bold Exploration of Timely Themes: Kuang tackles cultural appropriation and racial inequities with a biting critique. One scene that stands out is when June wrestles with her decision to publish Athena’s manuscript under her own name, rationalizing her theft by convincing herself that “stories belong to whoever tells them best.” This moment encapsulates the novel’s exploration of ownership and identity in storytelling, pushing readers to reflect on the systemic erasure of marginalized voices.
• Complex and Flawed Characters: June is a fascinatingly flawed protagonist. Her desperation for literary success and willingness to exploit Athena’s work make her both unlikable and compelling. In one of the novel’s key turning points, June justifies her actions by believing she’s simply “continuing Athena’s work” — a chilling reflection of how easily privilege distorts moral boundaries. While Athena’s presence haunts June throughout, other secondary characters, such as the publishers and critics, represent the broader, complicit literary system. They ignore the theft in favor of marketable success, underscoring how institutional bias plays a key role in the industry.
• Satirical and Suspenseful Tone: The biting satire in Yellowface is a standout feature. Kuang’s writing, often darkly humorous, cuts through the publishing industry’s pretensions. A memorable moment occurs during a book launch party, where June is praised by a prominent critic for “bringing marginalized voices to the mainstream.” The irony and tension in this moment emphasize the novel’s exploration of how appropriation is not only accepted but celebrated.

Weaknesses:

• Limited Character Development of Supporting Figures: While June is well-developed, characters like Athena’s family and certain gatekeepers in the publishing industry feel underexplored. For instance, Athena’s family is mentioned but their grief and perspective are not deeply addressed, which could have provided a richer emotional contrast to June’s cold calculation. Similarly, the editors and publishers play a key role in allowing June’s deception to thrive, yet their motivations could have been explored in greater depth to illuminate the systemic issues more fully.

Heavy-Handed Messaging: At times, the novel’s commentary on cultural appropriation and racial politics feels overly direct. For example, June’s internal monologues often state the themes outright, leaving little room for reader interpretation. A more subtle approach, such as showing the gradual unraveling of June’s moral compass through her actions rather than explicit thoughts, could have allowed the reader to discover the layers of appropriation and privilege more organically. By trusting the reader to connect the dots, Kuang could have created a deeper emotional impact.

Personal Reflection: Yellowface left a strong impression on me, particularly in its exploration of who has the right to tell certain stories. As someone who often reads diverse voices in literature, this novel challenged my own understanding of authenticity and the pressures within the publishing industry. Kuang’s portrayal of June’s ethical decline resonated, making me question how often we unknowingly celebrate voices that perpetuate appropriation. The novel’s tension stayed with me long after I finished reading, as it forced me to reflect on the blurred lines between art, identity, and morality.

Conclusion:

Yellowface is a daring and thought-provoking novel that challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about race, privilege, and who holds power in the literary world. Kuang’s sharp satire and suspenseful storytelling make it a compelling read, though the overt messaging might not appeal to those seeking subtlety. However, Yellowface succeeds in provoking important conversations about identity and authenticity in contemporary storytelling, making it an impactful and timely novel.

Rating: