Crazy Rich Asians Book Review
Crazy Rich Asians Book Review
Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan is the first in a series of three books (the second book is China Rich Girlfriend and the third is Rich People Problems.) The story centers around Rachel and her boyfriend Nicholas Young, a young Chinese couple who are both professors in NYC. Nick is the best man in his best friend's upcoming wedding (formerly Singapore's most eligible bachelor, Colin Khoo) and he has asked his girlfriend of two years to join him. Rachel Chu agrees to spend the summer in Singapore with her boyfriend and his family.
Summary of Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
"Crazy Rich Asians" by author Kevin Kwan is a satirical romantic comedy that delves into the lives of the extremely wealthy elite in Singapore. The novel primarily follows the story of Rachel Chu, an economics professor at New York University, and her boyfriend, Nicholas "Nick" Young. When Nick invites Rachel to accompany him to Singapore for his best friend's wedding, she envisions a humble family home and spending quality time with the man she loves but is soon thrust into a world of unimaginable wealth and opulence.
Upon arrival in Singapore with her boyfriend, Rachel discovers that Nick's family is one of the wealthiest and most influential in Asia. Nick grew up riding in more private planes than cars. Nick's grandmother, Shang Su Yi, and his mother, Eleanor Young, are the matriarchs of this dynasty. Rachel finds herself unprepared for the extravagance and the scrutiny that comes with dating someone from such a prestigious background.
As Rachel navigates this new environment, she faces hostility and envy from some of Nick's relatives and friends, who believe she is not worthy of Nick. The most significant opposition comes from Eleanor, who has meticulously planned Nick's future and disapproves of Rachel's "common" background. Eleanor goes to great lengths to investigate Rachel's family history, hoping to uncover something that would discredit her.
Amidst this social whirlwind, Rachel meets several characters who either support or challenge her. This includes Astrid Leong, Nick's glamorous cousin, who has her own marital troubles, and Peik Lin Goh, Rachel's college friend, who helps her navigate the complexities of Singapore's high society.
Throughout the novel, themes of wealth, class, and cultural identity (between Overseas Chinese and Mainland Chinese) are explored with humor and sharp social commentary. Rachel's journey from an outsider to someone who stands her ground against the prejudices of the elite provides a compelling narrative of love and resilience.
In the end, Rachel learns surprising truths about her own family that change her perspective and empower her to confront Eleanor. Nick, torn between his family and his love for Rachel, ultimately makes a stand for his relationship, leading to a resolution that balances tradition with modern values.
"Crazy Rich Asians" offers a glamorous and insightful look into the lives of Asia's ultra-rich, blending romance, wit, and societal critique.
I thought Crazy Rich Asians was a crazy fun read! My friend Stacy recommended these books to me last week and I immediately ordered all three. This first book includes a lot of my favorite things: (1) gourmet food descriptions that leave me salivating (2) couture fashion, which also leaves me salivating (3) comedic family drama that at times made me thankful for my family and at other times were hilariously relatable.
What readers love about Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
Readers love "Crazy Rich Asians" by Kevin Kwan for several compelling reasons:
Glamorous Insight into the Ultra-Rich: The novel provides a fascinating and detailed look into the lives of Asia's super-wealthy, showcasing their extravagant lifestyles, lavish parties, and opulent estates. This glimpse into a world of unimaginable wealth and luxury is both entertaining and captivating.
Humor and Satire: Kevin Kwan's witty writing and satirical take on high society make the novel a fun and humorous read. The sharp social commentary on the absurdities and excesses of the rich adds a layer of depth to the story, making it more than just a romantic comedy.
Relatable and Engaging Characters: Despite the fantastical setting, the characters in "Crazy Rich Asians" are relatable and well-developed. Readers appreciate Rachel Chu's down-to-earth personality and her struggles to fit into Nick's world. Nick Young's charm and loyalty also resonate with readers, while the supporting characters add richness and variety to the narrative.
Cultural Insights: The novel offers insights into Chinese and Singaporean cultures, including traditions, family dynamics, and societal expectations. This cultural richness adds authenticity to the story and appeals to readers interested in learning about different cultures.
Romantic Plot: At its core, "Crazy Rich Asians" is a love story. The romance between Rachel and Nick is heartfelt and compelling, with obstacles that add tension and keep readers invested in their relationship.
Family Drama: The intricate family dynamics and drama among the various characters provide a gripping subplot. Eleanor Young's schemes and the tensions within the Young family add layers of intrigue and conflict.
Strong Female Characters: The novel features strong, independent women like Rachel Chu and Astrid Leong, who face their challenges with resilience and grace. These characters serve as positive role models and add to the novel's appeal.
Escapism: For many readers, "Crazy Rich Asians" serves as an entertaining escape from everyday life. The extravagant settings and dramatic plot twists offer a form of escapism that is both enjoyable and immersive.
Overall, "Crazy Rich Asians" combines humor, romance, cultural insight, and social satire in a way that resonates with a wide audience, making it a beloved and widely recommended read.
My favorite food description came toward the end of the book in Part III, on page 403, and described a Giant South Sea Scallop Consommé with Washington State Ginseng Vapors and Black Mushrooms:
“In front of her way was a bowl, but encasing the surface of the bowl was what appeared to be a pinkish, membrane-like bubble that wobbled on its own accord....She gave it a jab with her fork, and the bubble immediately collapsed on itself, releasing a burst of pungent medicinal steam into the air. As the filmy pink membrane met the surface of the soup, it created a beautiful marbleized pattern across its surface. Rachel could ow see an enormous poached scallop in the middle of the bowl and thinly julienned black mushrooms artfully positioned like sun rays around it.”
I also learned something new about fashion! I had never heard of lotus-fabric until this book. On page 366 this fabric is described as an...
“...extremely rare fabric that is handwoven in Myanmar, and normally available only for the most high-ranking monks. I’m told that it feels incredibly light and has an extraordinary ability to keep cool in the hottest climates.”
So of course I had to do a little more research. In searching around on the internet I found this great write up from Wanderlust and Lipstick that tells the legend of how lotus-fabric was invented:
“It is said that about 100 years ago, a woman named Paw Sar Ou wanted to give a special robe to the head Abbot at the Buddhist temple she visited. She discovered that she could cut the stem of a lotus plant and that when she pulled the halves gently apart, threads appeared. Paw Sar Ou was able to collect enough of these threads to spin them into longer fibers and then be able to weave cloth from them on her loom. From this fabric, she created a special robe to give to her Abbot as an offering.”
I'm still looking into this fabric, but I'm already fascinated!
Anyway, I'm completely inlove with this series already and I can't wait to get started on book #2! If you haven't started this series, yet, I suggest you do so ASAP! You'll definitely want to read the book before you watch the movie!
13 Books Like Crazy Rich Asians
If you enjoyed "Crazy Rich Asians" by Kevin Kwan, you might like the following books, which share similar themes of wealth, family drama, and cultural insights, often with a humorous or satirical twist:
"China Rich Girlfriend" by Kevin Kwan - This is the second book in the "Crazy Rich Asians" trilogy, continuing the story of the wealthy elite in Asia.
"Rich People Problems" by Kevin Kwan - The final book in the "Crazy Rich Asians" trilogy, offering more opulent lifestyles and family drama.
"The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan - This novel explores the lives of four Chinese-American immigrant families in San Francisco who start a club known as The Joy Luck Club, sharing their stories of struggle and triumph.
"Sex and Vanity" by Kevin Kwan - A modern retelling of E.M. Forster’s "A Room with a View," set among the glamorous world of the super-rich.
"The Wangs vs. the World" by Jade Chang - A hilarious and heartwarming tale about a Chinese immigrant family's fall from riches and their road trip across America.
"The Expatriates" by Janice Y.K. Lee - Set in the close-knit expatriate community of Hong Kong, this novel explores the intertwined lives of three American women.
"Sofia Khan is Not Obliged" by Ayisha Malik - Often described as the Muslim "Bridget Jones's Diary," this book follows the life of Sofia Khan as she navigates love, family, and cultural expectations.
"The House of Mondavi: The Rise and Fall of an American Wine Dynasty" by Julia Flynn Siler - For those who enjoy real-life stories of wealth and drama, this non-fiction book details the saga of the Mondavi wine empire.
"The Nest" by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney - A novel about the dysfunctional Plumb family and the inheritance that could make or break their futures.
"Big Little Lies" by Liane Moriarty - Though set in Australia, this novel explores the secrets and lies of a group of women in a wealthy community, blending humor and drama.
"The Party" by Elizabeth Day - A psychological drama about wealth, privilege, and secrets among the British elite.
"American Royals" by Katharine McGee - A reimagining of modern America if the country had a royal family, focusing on the lives and dramas of the American monarchy.
"The Empress of Salt and Fortune" by Nghi Vo - A beautifully written novella that combines political intrigue and a richly detailed world inspired by imperial China.
These books should provide a mix of humor, drama, and cultural insights similar to what you found enjoyable in "Crazy Rich Asians."
