Diandra Reviews It All

SYNOPSIS: When Nicholas Young hears that his grandmother, Su Yi, is on her deathbed, he rushes to be by her bedside–but he’s not alone. It seems the entire Shang-Young clan has convened from all corners of the globe, ostensibly to care for their matriarch but truly to stake claim on the massive fortune that Su Yi controls. With each family member secretly fantasizing about getting the keys to Tyersall Park–a trophy estate on 64 prime acres in the heart of Singapore–the place becomes a hotbed of intrigue and Nicholas finds himself blocked from entering the premises. As relatives claw over heirlooms, Astrid Leong is at the center of her own storm, desperately in love with her old sweetheart Charlie Wu, but tormented by his ex-wife–a woman hell bent on destroying Astrid’s reputation and relationship. Meanwhile Kitty Pong, married to billionaire Jack Bing, finds a formidable opponent in his fashionista daughter, Colette. A sweeping novel that takes us from the elegantly appointed mansions of Manila to the secluded private islands in the Sulu Sea, from a schoolyard kidnapping to a gold-leaf dancefloor spattered with blood, Kevin Kwan’s gloriously wicked new novel reveals the long-buried secrets and rich people problems of Asia’s most privileged families.

Coming out May 23 is Rich Kid Problems by Kevin Kwan; part three of his series, Crazy Rich Asians. I am 100% LIVING for the drama in this tale that goes above race and ethnicity to spear through a sincere, social issue; rich people do not get “it”.

My quote above is not new to the social sphere.Who has not watched Housewives of reality shows dedicated to young people whose biggest problems of the week are not receiving a like on their Instagram post? It is in that idea that Kwan finds humor; there is a massive, human disconnect within and from the super wealthy Shang-Young clan. Each character is guilty having interactions and reflections upon the world that are 100% based off MONEY!. Thus, Kwan’s humor never loses its sense of tragedy or moroseness because with money comes power, and with power comes influence, and, there are several moments throughout this 384 page book when you will say, “Please have no influence!”. From fashion faux-pas to forbidden loves, and, at the center, an inheritance battle, this book is far from boring. I do not even think boring lives within a 3 mile radius. Kwan, seemingly, has watched every soap opera in the world and compacted television drama into a literary bowl of puns, jabs, dreams, and delicious dialogues.

Kwan knows how to make you invest for every members of of the Shang- Young family, even when you do not like or agree with them. From the humorously deranged Eddie to the sensitive/ prideful Nick or even the cast of fierce, powerful ladies such as, Astrid, Eleanor, and Colette, who all have moments of strength and say, Kwan creates fully-fleshed beings that are irresistible to observe. That being said, Rich Kid Problems , and the Crazy Rich Asian series in general, is not one to comment on privilege as much as watch it. Hence, the insensitivities of this family may be grating as they fleet from them so casually, but in not being a book about redeeming privilege as much as revealing it, Kwan lets analysis be for the audience and fun be for the writer, which is a refreshing twist. From luxury items to paradise destinations, Kwan paints the world as one to enjoy and explore, which, again, will make you jealous of these rich kids. Still, the shining moment for Kwan as a writer, and perhaps the series, comes in showing Su Yi’s origins and thus the history of China. For, possibly, the first time in this series, Kwan reveals his love for China and Asia as not simply a location or culture, but a deeply fascinating history. Such a take on the Crazy Rich Asian world brings a new level of heart to series and Kwan’s writing that fans and new readers will enjoy, especially since, for me, this third book could stand alone as just phenomenally fun writing. For More Information On Kevin Kwan And TO Buy Crazy Rich Asians On May 23 Click Here.