Review: 3 stars
Similar to the rest of the Asian-North American community, I was caught up in the Crazy Rich Asians storm. I had read the first book in the trilogy years ago, and purchased the sequels after watching the movie. Luckily, since I knew the books were not 'deep' in any sense, I was able to revel in the film's humour instead of expecting any lofty statements about Asian representation.
Kevin Kwan has written an easy-to-read, glittering trilogy that pulls back the veil on the stratospheric wealth of Asia’s top 0.01%. The most original element of his voice is the incredible depth to which he flaunts this wealth - from the most exclusive haute couture experiences, to specific watch, liquor and caviar brands that we’ve never heard of. The result is a light, captivating read. The novel is propelled forward by the romances of the protagonists - Nick, Rachel and Astrid - and by the catfight worthy familial politics and grandstanding that underpin it all.
One criticism that I have of the book is that character development was lacking for a story that spanned three full-length books. Nick is introduced as an aloof, charming, honourable gentleman with a rebellious streak, and ends this way as well. Throughout, Rachel remains a reasonable, down-to-earth woman, unswayed by the trappings of wealth. Astrid, the one character who does eventually shed her skin, still feels flat - the ethereal, ever-stylish beauty who can do no wrong. I hoped for more moments of tension, of disintegration and self-realization than I received.
I also felt that the cast of secondary characters - particularly Kitty Pong in China Rich Girlfriend and Carlton Bao in Rich People Problems - were somewhat superfluous. For all the things that exceeded my imagination (e.g., an IMAX theatre on a jet plane or a $10B offer for a mansion), what I was most skeptical about were two events in China Rich Girlfriend. The first was the ease with which Rachel diffused Carlton’s car racing frenzy, and the second was the logic behind Rachel’s poisoning, The denouement just seemed overly convenient and mess-free, leaving all our main characters untransformed.
I enjoyed the trilogy as a breezy summer read, and would recommend it as an effective antidote to stress. Kwan’s writing flows well, and every chapter oozes lavish and luxury. You leave feeling intoxicated by riches, in want of materialistic remedy, and optimistic about your chances of winning the lottery someday.