Lecture
Critic's Choice
Yellowface
Artis—Naples Lifelong Learning
Elaine Newton, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Humanities at York University, Toronto
The book to be discussed is
Yellowface
by R.F. Kuang
Two young, promising authors graduate from Yale the same year and publish their books at the same time — but only one becomes a star. Athena Liu’s debut publication dazzles audiences while June Hayward’s is denied even a paperback release. The problem, June thinks, is that nobody cares about her basic white girl protagonist. Embittered and insecure, June is dangerously jealous when Athena suddenly dies in a freak accident. On impulse, June steals Athena’s just-finished, unseen manuscript — and surreptitiously passes it to her agent as her own work. What follows is a frighteningly suspenseful whirlwind of success. June desperately guards her secret and battles her own conscience to protect what she thinks she deserves. How long will it last? New York Times bestselling author R.F. Kuang presents this stirring, suspenseful novel that chillingly explores questions of diversity, racism and cultural appropriation through the lens of the competitive publishing industry.
Please note: The Thursday lecture will be held in Daniels Pavilion. The Saturday lecture will be held in Hayes Hall.
Elaine Newton
Elaine Newton
Elaine Newton, Ph.D., is professor emeritus of humanities at York University, Toronto, Canada. She has taught courses in literary theory and methodology, contemporary fiction, psychology and literature and archetypal criticism. Elaine was one of the founders of York University’s advising program and its much-emulated faculty of education. She is a recipient of the province of Ontario’s Teaching Award in recognition of excellence in university teaching and, in 1984, received a citation as Toronto’s Outstanding Professor. In 1996, she was the recipient of the university-wide Teaching Award. She has held appointments as professor of literature at Carlton University, Ottawa; University of Cape Town, South Africa; University of Sydney, Australia, Victoria University and the University of Otago, New Zealand. She has lectured throughout Canada and the U.S., London, Hong Kong, Zurich and Caracas. In 1992, she was a member of the faculty of the University of Pittsburgh’s Semester-at-Sea. Elaine retains an abiding commitment to adult education and the role of the university in the wider community.
For over 40 years, Elaine has planned and conducted adult education courses throughout North America. This is the 34th anniversary season of Critic’s Choice literature series and the 28th year she has presented Four O’clock at the Movies. She also initiated and taught the pioneering Artis—Naples seminar discussion program, the Questors, for 12 years. Elaine has worked as a book critic for Toronto’s The Globe and Mail, been a special consultant to the Ontario Library Association, led movie and theater discussions and served as a consultant to the North York Board of Education. She continues to conduct an annual lecture series at the Toronto Public Library and makes frequent guest appearances on TV and radio. Elaine has an enthusiastic and loyal following each season as she offers insightful commentary about contemporary fiction and motion pictures.
