TEHRAN- A Persian translation of American writer Rebecca F. Kuang’s book “Yellowface” has recently been published by Majazi Publications in Tehran. 

The book has been translated into Persian by Elham Gerami.

"Yellowface" is a sharp, satirical novel published in 2023 that critically examines issues of race, cultural appropriation, and social media influence within the publishing industry. The story explores how marginalized voices are exploited and how superficial diversity efforts often mask deeper systemic problems.

Kuang conceived the idea for “Yellowface” in 2021, drawing from her personal experiences as an Asian American author. She was motivated by incidents where her identity was used superficially or dismissed, fueling her desire to critique how the industry commodifies marginalized authors. She aimed to expose the superficiality of diversity initiatives and the exploitation of cultural authenticity for profit.

The plot centers around June Hayward, an unsuccessful writer who witnesses the death of Athena Liu, a successful Chinese-American author. Seeing an opportunity, June begins to insert herself into Athena’s life, editing her unpublished manuscript—a historical story about Chinese laborers during World War I. As June reworks the story, she develops a sense of ownership and finally publishes it under a pseudonym, Juniper Song, adopting an Asian-sounding name and hiding her true ethnicity to maximize success and avoid backlash.

The novel’s success sparks controversy. Critics and social media users accuse June of cultural appropriation and plagiarism. Kuang’s satire vividly exposes how online outrage, especially on Twitter, amplifies superficial debates about race and authenticity. The story critiques the industry’s obsession with “diversity” as a marketing tool, often reducing marginalized voices to commodities. It explores how performative activism and social media outrage shape public narratives, often distorting or oversimplifying complex issues.

Critics responded positively. Kirkus Reviews called it a “biting critique of the publishing industry,” while The Guardian praised Kuang’s wit. Amal El-Mohtar of “The New York Times” described it as “viciously satisfying,” though sometimes blunt. NPR highlighted its gripping, fast-paced nature, and the Chicago Review of Books appreciated its dark humor and incisive critique. Some critics, like The Washington Post, felt it occasionally relied too heavily on Twitter-style arguments and lacked character depth.

“Yellowface” received numerous awards, cementing its cultural significance. It was named one of the top ten audiobooks of 2023 by Libro.fm and included in Time magazine’s “100 Must-Read Books of 2023.” It also won Amazon’s Best Book of the Year. Other honors include the Foyles Books of the Year, the Waterstones Book of the Year (shortlisted), and the New England Book Award for Fiction. Its success extended into 2024, earning awards such as the American Book Award and the British Book Awards’ Fiction Book of the Year.

The novel’s influence is further evidenced by its upcoming adaptation. In late 2024, Lionsgate Television acquired the rights to develop a limited series, with Karyn Kusama attached as director and executive producer. This adaptation promises to bring Kuang’s sharp critique of cultural appropriation, authenticity, and social media influence to a broader audience, further amplifying the novel’s impact.

SAB/