Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan was an absolute favourite last year. The first novel as part of a trilogy turned into a major film. As I was reading, it was clear how it could be turned into a movie. The novel starts with Rachel and Nick’s relationship. As far as Rachel knows, Nick is a normal guy who is just not open to discussing his family and upbringing. Little does she know that meeting the family puts her in the throes of the highest echelons in Asian society. Don’t let the blurb on the back of the book fool you; although Rachel and Nick’s storyline is the one that loops everything together, numerous characters are introduced through various storylines. Kwan slowly lets the pieces of this family drama out which leads to a wonderful exploration of this family’s life. It can be difficult to keep the relations between the characters straight and that almost put me off reading, but it is worth it for the surprise twist at the end that hooked me in for the next two books!
The writing itself is quite charming. It is clear how this novel is one that could be adapted into a movie as the scenes quickly flow from one character to another. The flips are certainly seamless but can still be slightly confusing. For a long while, I found it difficult to comprehend the purpose of the character switching. It is always a concern of mine when reading. Kwan, however manages to keep the writing lighthearted and engaging. The stream of consciousness moments are absolute art, but the best part by far are the footnotes that explain certain aspects of Asian culture that Westerners simply do not know. Kwan crafts these footnotes with so much personality. We see the sarcastic, judgemental, and fascinated side of Kwan with these additions. This is what I appreciated the most about the writing.
Ultimately, this novel gives readers insight into a culture entirely different from their own. Characters are (purposely) annoying and but each ones is so unique. The characters are vibrant and interesting. This is a fantastic novel about money, family, and the relationships in between. I give this book a 4/5. I have suggested it to so many people. It was one of my favourite summer reads.
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