This clever satire explores the various ways people play “the victim,” in particular Javi Perez. While going to high school in the Bronx, Javi is encouraged by a white professor to exaggerate his experience living in the city. When Javi’s embellished college essay gets him a full ride to an elite university, his continued used of “victimhood” begins.

From that description, it might sound like Javi is the example here. That he isn’t, is the genius of this novel. Almost everyone—from Javi, to his professors, to his girlfriend, to his girlfriend’s father, etc.—uses victimhood in one way or another to get ahead. The one person who seems to be the decent, honest one in Javi’s world is Gio, his childhood friend who ends up in jail for selling drugs. Boryga’s astute observations about cancel culture, campus life, and racism are expertly woven into this engaging plot. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, thinking, “When is Javi going to be found out?” If you loved Yellowface, you’ll love this one, too.