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isabookabel 's review for:

Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
4.0

I loved listening to this as an audiobook. It was fast paced and absorbing with a really unlikeable protagonist. The ending itself I was less satisfied with as it felt a little heavy handed and predictable. I also agree that some of the ideas in the text could have been explored a bit further. I thought we would get this through exploring Athena Liu's privilege (she's never had to struggle with money). While this doesn't detract from the characters talent as a writer, I thought it would have been a good way of exploring how it may have increased the chance of her being published (more time to write, not having to work a second job, a good education). I thought this could have added more nuance, and another layer to the critiques of the publishing industry, and how it is not a meritocracy. 
Overall though, I thought this was a brilliant book and I really enjoyed reading it. It was a short punchy read and I've already recommended to friends.