Yellowface Summary
Yellowface is a novel by R.F. Kuang that explores the complexities of cultural appropriation, diversity, and racism in modern literature. The book is narrated by Helen Laser and centers around the story of Juniper Song, a bestselling author who is not who she claims to be.
June Hayward, the protagonist of the story, is an aspiring writer who witnesses the death of her twin sister, Athena Liu, a literary darling. In a moment of impulse, June decides to steal Athena's just-finished masterpiece, an experimental novel about the unsung contributions of Chinese laborers during World War I, and present it as her own work.
To get her book published, June rebrands herself as Juniper Song, complete with an ambiguously ethnic author photo. Her book becomes an instant hit, and she makes it to the New York Times bestseller list. However, as she tries to protect her secret, she discovers just how far she is willing to go to keep what she believes she deserves.
The novel takes its title from the practice of Yellowface, a form of theatrical makeup used to represent Asian characters by non-Asian actors. Kuang uses the concept of Yellowface to explore issues of cultural appropriation, diversity, and racism in modern literature. She questions whether it is acceptable for a non-Asian writer to write about Asian experiences and the consequences that arise from such practices.
Kuang's novel is timely, razor-sharp, and eminently compelling. The first-person voice of the protagonist makes the story immersive and relatable, while the exploration of the alienation caused by social media adds a contemporary twist to the narrative. The book is a commentary on the current state of publishing, where authors are pressured to conform to certain narratives and identities to appeal to the market.
Yellowface also highlights the issue of the erasure of Asian voices in literature. Kuang sheds light on the unsung contributions of Chinese laborers during World War I, which have been largely ignored in history books. She questions why such stories are not being told by Asian writers and why non-Asian writers feel entitled to write about Asian experiences.
The novel explores the complexity of identity and the pressure that authors face to fit into certain molds to be successful. Kuang's characters struggle with their identities, whether it be June Hayward trying to present herself as an Asian author or Athena Liu feeling the need to write about her Chinese heritage to be accepted in the literary world.
Yellowface is not just a story about a writer who steals someone else's work, but a commentary on the current state of publishing and the issues that arise from the lack of diversity in the industry. Kuang's novel is a must-read for anyone interested in the complex issues surrounding cultural appropriation, diversity, and identity in literature.
In conclusion, Yellowface is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that explores the complexities of cultural appropriation, diversity, and racism in modern literature. Kuang's use of Yellowface as a metaphor for the erasure of Asian voices in literature is a powerful commentary on the state of the publishing industry. The novel is timely, razor-sharp, and eminently compelling, and a must-read for anyone interested in the issues of identity and diversity in literature. Helen Laser's narration brings the story to life, making it an excellent choice for audiobook fans.
