Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan

Crazy Rich Asians, a bestselling novel by Kevin Kwan, is set in modern-day Singapore, as well as China and elsewhere, and follows the lives of wealthy families and their indiscretions, glamour, and extravagance. It’s a brilliant take on the romantic comedy genre that focuses on two vastly different families and the journeys of two young people finding love, as well as their own identities, as they navigate a society beset by money and secrets.

The story centers around Rachel Chu, a young Chinese-American professor living in New York. Rachel accompanies her boyfriend Nick Young to Singapore for a wedding, unaware that his family are amongst the wealthiest in the country. Nick belongs to one of Singapore’s most influential families, and the couple quickly tumbles into a world of luxury, privilege, and gossip.

Most of the wealthy clans featured in the novel are obscenely wealthy, having accumulated their wealth from engineering, banking, commodities, or real estate investments made during the country’s decades-long boom. The stories of the characters and their families are woven together to create a grand, romantic tale where society’s boundaries and expectations are both tested and observed.

Throughout Crazy Rich Asians, themes of personal identity, cultural heritage, and familial relationships stand out. While there are plenty of references to Asian culture, which help the reader to appreciate the nuances of the story, the novel’s appeal transcends race, language and nationality. It explores the complexities of finding one’s place and heritage, while also posing universal questions about financial security, money, and status.

Despite its drama and extravagance, the novel also carries a message of hope and renewal, as the characters struggle with their own internal battles and make thoughtful attempts to redefine relationships, expectations, and legacies. Along the way, readers are reminded of the power in personal declarations, as they witness the characters take ownership of their lives and make their own choices.

Overall, Crazy Rich Asians is a vibrant, captivating, and witty exploration of wealth, privilege, and identity. Its exploration of the themes of identity, family, and the pursuit of love and wealth, provide readers with an eye-opening glimpse into the lives of those who have and those who don't, explore the dark secrets that lie beneath a sugary sweet exterior, and attempt to find a place of belonging in a world where money and family ties can both limit and liberate. It's an entertaining, well-crafted read that explores questions of value and relationships, ultimately presenting an enjoyable and thought-provoking story that’s sure to keep readers engaged.