Yellowface was amazing! I read one review and it said to read the other reviews, I was dumbfounded to see the point of the book unfold in the comments. A very clever book, as you said not a comfortable read but a good one nonetheless!
Scamanda was one of those jaw dropping podcasts. I was completely hooked till the end!
Scamanda really was jaw dropping - the front of the woman!!!! - and it's still not clear the level of complicity of her husband and mother?...and yes, Yellowface has so many interesting debating points. I think it's brave, confrontational (in a very good way) and thought provoking. I don't listen to audio books much although I am moving that way just in an effort to get through what I want to read, and I loved the audio, although I wonder how that altered my perception of the characters...
Scamanda really was just shocking, my mouth was just open the whole time. A lot of exclaiming ‘nooooo’ throughout.
I think Yellowface would make a great book club book. I had it recommended to me by Goodreads, I didn’t read the blurb or anything. I got to the end and I said, if this is written by an Asian woman this is brilliant, and when I saw it was I took my hat off. It wouldn’t be that good if it was written by a white person.
Ahhh interesting, in way do you think the audio would affect your perception? Maybe I’ll listen to it, I already have this feeling I want to read it again. I think I’d notice different things, and it’s very unusual I read books again.
I'm not sure that Yellowface could have been written by a white author. I think that perhaps being an Asian author gave the writer a freedom to write things that would have been criticised too heavily if it was otherwise? That gave it a beautiful edginess and allowed the discussion. And yes Scamanda - I mean you could see it coming but still not believe it!!! I think audio DEF affects perception. I listened to Paper Palace on audio, and really took against a character that other people loved on the page. It was an 'English' character who has a very posh audio voice which turned me off, but I think that was just by virtue of it being an American derived book which perhaps pigeon-holed what an 'English' accent would be. I also listened to American Dirt on audio though, and thought that was brilliant.
I completely agree! A white author couldn’t write it. I think Kuang has done a very clever play of her experience of the world mixed with empathy of what is happening on the others side, whilst wrapping it up in a gripping read.
I don’t listen to audio books, mainly because I have no idea how 😆 (I’m slipping into that older person who doesn’t really know how to do things and pokes at technology then gives up passing it to the husband… The feminist in me is cringing! If my sister is close I’ll pass it to her, or anyone tbh haha 😆). But I’d not considered how it’s change your view of characters. Also, I think Americans often use what I call the Oliver Twist accent 😆🙈
yes I agree with what Sheila said, some of it is very squeaky, but it's meant to be. It made me think and reflect, and like Sheila says it is an easy read, but one that stays with you. Can't wait to hear what you think!
It’s very good. I had to sit with a lot of uncomfortable white woman feelings throughout the book. I’m still reflecting on parts too. I found it a short easy read, it was dressed up as drama but there are so many clever messages inside.
I have so many books I haven’t yet read - started tons last year unfinished so just working my way through those 😆 including 12 moons so think I’ll take that away with me on hols next week😎 super excited for all your books.. and I’m still reeling over our dad conversations 😍🤩😍🤩😍
Oh bless you, I love that you had your dad conversation so much. Yes take Twelve Moons - it is so beautiful. I honestly have so many unread books, I need to stop buying new ones!! xx
What a rich read this was, Emma and the icing on the cake was the photographs! We'll never meet but I feel I know you better just seeing you and your family.
Gosh Emma, what a full and fascinating list! When I read these types of posts I just wonder where people find the time to fit all that in 🙃 I absolutely loved 'All of Us Strangers'... was thinking about that movie for weeks and crying for days. Not quite sure why it struck such a deep chord, but it seemed to capture everything... love, loss, trauma, grief, loneliness, family and basically the entire human condition.
I do feel the same!!! I started writing this post a few months ago, and couldn't finish it, and it's very hard to capture it all - but this is 6 months worth! I often read about five books at a time and don't finish any, but I did have a good old season of watching films, and All of Us Strangers was absolutely mesmerising. I didn't know anything about it before I went in and interestingly on leaving, all three of us (myself and two friends) had different perspectives on what had actually happened... that said, Andrew Scott's portrayal of the human condition was exquisite. Much to reflect on xx
That is reassuring to hear it's 6 months worth of content 😄 And yes many different readings on that movie, and especially the ending. I ended up googling interviews with the cast and director to understand their take on it. Whichever way you read it, utterly heartbreaking 💔
I love all of this, especially your tea story. My paternal great grandfather, John Joe 'Old man' Bunting was a tea merchant and founded Plantation House in London. He made a lot of money and lost a lot of money during his working years but I know little about him other than a few family myths and some photos. Old man Bunting had several wives including my great grandmother who he married (I think they married) even though she'd already had two children (my grandmother & her brother out of wedlock). He was quite the character and his wealth meant my dad had a very privileged childhood - materially at least. But I'd love to explore his tea importing business but I'm not sure where to start!
Oh wow - Harriet this is a book in itself!!! Love this so much. The history of tea is quite extraordinary and links to so many things, not least the many obvious parallels with world history and colonialism, but what it means to us as a grounding force and a connection to 'home'. I would have loved to interview 'Old Man' Bunting. Would be delighted to chat to you about this when we have a natter xx
It would be amazing to chat to you about this. The interesting thing is that Old Man Bunting's line produced talent like the writer Madeleine Bunting and her father, John Bunting, the sculptor and even Josh O'Connor, the actor. But my line is very much the black sheep branch of the family because of the illegitimate children (my grandmother) so we're not blood related. There's so much to unpack but I do have a cousin who started researching it and I've been meaning to get in touch with him so this could be a good time.
well I wonder if this may inspire you to do so?!! It's interesting, I have started delving into my own family history for this book, and I'm only going so far (for many reasons). It took the book totally away from tea for a start, and that is where my story is centred, but like you say - much to unpack. Would be lovely to have a virtual cuppa soon xx
Aah thanks so much, really looking forward to meeting you online and being part of the book club. The concept of Weathering appealed to me immediately, that deep connection, and I love the combination of scientific knowledge with soul experience and what it means to be human. That's how I write too, can't wait to read it xx
I have piles of books and the piles continue to grow. I wonder if I will live long enough to even get through half of them. But it brings me joy to see them and makes my house a home.
Yes!! Makes my house a home too - I love that, thank you. Those few words in themselves have given me a great sense of ease about it. I have so so many books I have bought but haven't read, and think 'I will when I retire' but you are so right, the books make our house our home. 💕🙏
What a lovely start to this year Emma, and so much to get into here! Many of these books are on my list too, weathering, twelve moons and all clover Stroud as I never read any yet. Nina also on the list. There aren’t enough hours in the day, which is a good position to be in! Also learning so much from Jeannine Oulettes amazing work here, helping me up my game. 💛
Honestly there really aren't enough hours in the day!!! I feel like everything I discover spring boards into another 5 things...and each of those another 5.... but we can only do what we can do, and whatever we dip into will bring its own rewards. It's lovely to share recommendations on here - I love Jeannine's work, I haven't had enough time to do much more than skim it yet but maybe it's time for a deep dive! xx
Yellowface was amazing! I read one review and it said to read the other reviews, I was dumbfounded to see the point of the book unfold in the comments. A very clever book, as you said not a comfortable read but a good one nonetheless!
Scamanda was one of those jaw dropping podcasts. I was completely hooked till the end!
Scamanda really was jaw dropping - the front of the woman!!!! - and it's still not clear the level of complicity of her husband and mother?...and yes, Yellowface has so many interesting debating points. I think it's brave, confrontational (in a very good way) and thought provoking. I don't listen to audio books much although I am moving that way just in an effort to get through what I want to read, and I loved the audio, although I wonder how that altered my perception of the characters...
Scamanda really was just shocking, my mouth was just open the whole time. A lot of exclaiming ‘nooooo’ throughout.
I think Yellowface would make a great book club book. I had it recommended to me by Goodreads, I didn’t read the blurb or anything. I got to the end and I said, if this is written by an Asian woman this is brilliant, and when I saw it was I took my hat off. It wouldn’t be that good if it was written by a white person.
Ahhh interesting, in way do you think the audio would affect your perception? Maybe I’ll listen to it, I already have this feeling I want to read it again. I think I’d notice different things, and it’s very unusual I read books again.
I'm not sure that Yellowface could have been written by a white author. I think that perhaps being an Asian author gave the writer a freedom to write things that would have been criticised too heavily if it was otherwise? That gave it a beautiful edginess and allowed the discussion. And yes Scamanda - I mean you could see it coming but still not believe it!!! I think audio DEF affects perception. I listened to Paper Palace on audio, and really took against a character that other people loved on the page. It was an 'English' character who has a very posh audio voice which turned me off, but I think that was just by virtue of it being an American derived book which perhaps pigeon-holed what an 'English' accent would be. I also listened to American Dirt on audio though, and thought that was brilliant.
I completely agree! A white author couldn’t write it. I think Kuang has done a very clever play of her experience of the world mixed with empathy of what is happening on the others side, whilst wrapping it up in a gripping read.
I don’t listen to audio books, mainly because I have no idea how 😆 (I’m slipping into that older person who doesn’t really know how to do things and pokes at technology then gives up passing it to the husband… The feminist in me is cringing! If my sister is close I’ll pass it to her, or anyone tbh haha 😆). But I’d not considered how it’s change your view of characters. Also, I think Americans often use what I call the Oliver Twist accent 😆🙈
I really want to read Yellowface! Def need to add that my list
yes I agree with what Sheila said, some of it is very squeaky, but it's meant to be. It made me think and reflect, and like Sheila says it is an easy read, but one that stays with you. Can't wait to hear what you think!
It’s very good. I had to sit with a lot of uncomfortable white woman feelings throughout the book. I’m still reflecting on parts too. I found it a short easy read, it was dressed up as drama but there are so many clever messages inside.
I have so many books I haven’t yet read - started tons last year unfinished so just working my way through those 😆 including 12 moons so think I’ll take that away with me on hols next week😎 super excited for all your books.. and I’m still reeling over our dad conversations 😍🤩😍🤩😍
Oh bless you, I love that you had your dad conversation so much. Yes take Twelve Moons - it is so beautiful. I honestly have so many unread books, I need to stop buying new ones!! xx
Same! I still have books boxed up that I didn’t even open. And I really want to order this yellow face one!
Ha ha ha.. LOVE your description of Saltburn!! 😂😂
🤣
What a rich read this was, Emma and the icing on the cake was the photographs! We'll never meet but I feel I know you better just seeing you and your family.
Thank you!
Aah thanks so much Frances - and who knows, we may meet one day!! The world can be quite a small place. How lovely that would be 💕
Gosh Emma, what a full and fascinating list! When I read these types of posts I just wonder where people find the time to fit all that in 🙃 I absolutely loved 'All of Us Strangers'... was thinking about that movie for weeks and crying for days. Not quite sure why it struck such a deep chord, but it seemed to capture everything... love, loss, trauma, grief, loneliness, family and basically the entire human condition.
I do feel the same!!! I started writing this post a few months ago, and couldn't finish it, and it's very hard to capture it all - but this is 6 months worth! I often read about five books at a time and don't finish any, but I did have a good old season of watching films, and All of Us Strangers was absolutely mesmerising. I didn't know anything about it before I went in and interestingly on leaving, all three of us (myself and two friends) had different perspectives on what had actually happened... that said, Andrew Scott's portrayal of the human condition was exquisite. Much to reflect on xx
That is reassuring to hear it's 6 months worth of content 😄 And yes many different readings on that movie, and especially the ending. I ended up googling interviews with the cast and director to understand their take on it. Whichever way you read it, utterly heartbreaking 💔
I love all of this, especially your tea story. My paternal great grandfather, John Joe 'Old man' Bunting was a tea merchant and founded Plantation House in London. He made a lot of money and lost a lot of money during his working years but I know little about him other than a few family myths and some photos. Old man Bunting had several wives including my great grandmother who he married (I think they married) even though she'd already had two children (my grandmother & her brother out of wedlock). He was quite the character and his wealth meant my dad had a very privileged childhood - materially at least. But I'd love to explore his tea importing business but I'm not sure where to start!
Oh wow - Harriet this is a book in itself!!! Love this so much. The history of tea is quite extraordinary and links to so many things, not least the many obvious parallels with world history and colonialism, but what it means to us as a grounding force and a connection to 'home'. I would have loved to interview 'Old Man' Bunting. Would be delighted to chat to you about this when we have a natter xx
It would be amazing to chat to you about this. The interesting thing is that Old Man Bunting's line produced talent like the writer Madeleine Bunting and her father, John Bunting, the sculptor and even Josh O'Connor, the actor. But my line is very much the black sheep branch of the family because of the illegitimate children (my grandmother) so we're not blood related. There's so much to unpack but I do have a cousin who started researching it and I've been meaning to get in touch with him so this could be a good time.
well I wonder if this may inspire you to do so?!! It's interesting, I have started delving into my own family history for this book, and I'm only going so far (for many reasons). It took the book totally away from tea for a start, and that is where my story is centred, but like you say - much to unpack. Would be lovely to have a virtual cuppa soon xx
What full and wonderful post and I am already excited to hear what you think of Weathering :)
Aah thanks so much, really looking forward to meeting you online and being part of the book club. The concept of Weathering appealed to me immediately, that deep connection, and I love the combination of scientific knowledge with soul experience and what it means to be human. That's how I write too, can't wait to read it xx
I have piles of books and the piles continue to grow. I wonder if I will live long enough to even get through half of them. But it brings me joy to see them and makes my house a home.
Yes!! Makes my house a home too - I love that, thank you. Those few words in themselves have given me a great sense of ease about it. I have so so many books I have bought but haven't read, and think 'I will when I retire' but you are so right, the books make our house our home. 💕🙏
What a lovely start to this year Emma, and so much to get into here! Many of these books are on my list too, weathering, twelve moons and all clover Stroud as I never read any yet. Nina also on the list. There aren’t enough hours in the day, which is a good position to be in! Also learning so much from Jeannine Oulettes amazing work here, helping me up my game. 💛
Honestly there really aren't enough hours in the day!!! I feel like everything I discover spring boards into another 5 things...and each of those another 5.... but we can only do what we can do, and whatever we dip into will bring its own rewards. It's lovely to share recommendations on here - I love Jeannine's work, I haven't had enough time to do much more than skim it yet but maybe it's time for a deep dive! xx
I really enjoyed Yellowface. I also loved Babel, both clever, tricky books. She has a great authorial voice. So glad you got to see Nina. xx