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Islington Branch Book Club - Past Titles: "Yellowface" by R.F. Kuang

Take a look through previous titles we've discussed at our Islington Branch Book Club

"Yellowface" by R.F. Kuang

  1. Exploring Identity: How do the characters in "Yellowface" grapple with questions of identity and belonging? How does the protagonist's experience as a Chinese-American actor navigating the entertainment industry shape their understanding of self?

  2. Cultural Appropriation: Discuss the theme of cultural appropriation in the novella. How does the entertainment industry perpetuate harmful stereotypes and commodify cultures for profit? In what ways does the protagonist confront and challenge these dynamics?

  3. The Pressure to Conform: How does the protagonist navigate the pressure to conform to Hollywood's expectations of Asian-American actors? What sacrifices do they make in order to pursue their career, and how do these choices impact their sense of self?

  4. Racism and Discrimination: "Yellowface" confronts issues of racism and discrimination within the entertainment industry and society at large. How are Asian-American actors marginalized and stereotyped in the novella? How do these experiences mirror real-life struggles faced by minority actors in Hollywood?

  5. Intersectionality: Consider the intersectionality of identity in "Yellowface." How do factors such as race, gender, and class intersect to shape the protagonist's experiences and opportunities in the entertainment industry?

  6. The Power of Representation: Discuss the importance of representation in media and storytelling. How does "Yellowface" highlight the impact of authentic representation on marginalized communities? How can diverse representation challenge stereotypes and empower underrepresented voices?

  7. The Role of Art and Creativity: Explore the ways in which art and creativity serve as tools for resistance and self-expression in "Yellowface." How does the protagonist use their craft to challenge stereotypes and assert their identity? What role does storytelling play in advocating for social change?

  8. Ethical Dilemmas: Consider the ethical dilemmas faced by the protagonist throughout the novella. How do they navigate conflicting loyalties and moral choices in their pursuit of success? What compromises are they willing to make, and at what cost?

  9. Cultural Authenticity vs. Assimilation: "Yellowface" grapples with the tension between cultural authenticity and assimilation in the entertainment industry. How does the protagonist reconcile their Chinese heritage with the demands of Hollywood? What does authenticity mean in the context of performance and representation?

  10. Activism and Solidarity: Reflect on the role of activism and solidarity in combating racism and discrimination. How do the characters in "Yellowface" come together to advocate for change and challenge the status quo? What lessons can be drawn from their collective efforts?

Rebecca F. Kuang, known as R.F. Kuang, is a Chinese-American author acclaimed for her fantasy novels. Born in Guangzhou, China, in 1996, Kuang immigrated to the United States with her family when she was a child. Growing up in Texas, Kuang developed a passion for literature and storytelling from a young age.

Kuang's interest in history and politics, particularly Chinese history, heavily influences her writing. She attended Georgetown University, where she studied Chinese history and concentrated on modern Chinese military history. Kuang's academic background and research have deeply informed the intricate world-building and political dynamics in her novels.

In 2018, Kuang achieved literary acclaim with her debut novel, "The Poppy War." The first installment in a trilogy, "The Poppy War" draws inspiration from the Second Sino-Japanese War and the Rape of Nanjing, blending historical events with fantasy elements to create a gripping narrative. The novel received widespread praise for its rich world-building, complex characters, and exploration of themes such as war, power, and morality.

Following the success of "The Poppy War," Kuang continued the series with "The Dragon Republic" (2019) and "The Burning God" (2020), completing the trilogy. The series has garnered a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim for its compelling storytelling and nuanced exploration of difficult subjects.

In addition to her writing, Kuang is known for her outspokenness on social and political issues, particularly on topics related to Chinese history and representation in literature. She has advocated for greater diversity and inclusion in the publishing industry and has used her platform to raise awareness of important historical events.

Kuang's contributions to the fantasy genre have solidified her as a rising star in the literary world. Her works offer readers a fresh perspective on epic fantasy, blending historical inspiration with imaginative storytelling and thought-provoking themes. As she continues to write and engage with readers, Kuang remains a prominent voice in contemporary fantasy literature.

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