Crazy Rich Asians is the outrageously funny debut novel about three super-rich, pedigreed Chinese families and the gossip, backbiting, and scheming that occurs when the heir to one of the most massive fortunes in Asia brings home his ABC (American-born Chinese) girlfriend to the wedding of the season.
When Rachel Chu agrees to spend the summer in Singapore with her boyfriend, Nicholas Young, she envisions a humble family home, long drives to explore the island, and quality time with the man she might one day marry. What she doesn't know is that Nick's family home happens to look like a palace, that she'll ride in more private planes than cars, and that with one of Asia's most eligible bachelors on her arm, Rachel might as well have a target on her back. Initiated into a world of dynastic splendor beyond imagination, Rachel meets Astrid, the It Girl of Singapore society; Eddie, whose family practically lives in the pages of the Hong Kong socialite magazines; and Eleanor, Nick's formidable mother, a woman who has very strong feelings about who her son should--and should not--marry. Uproarious, addictive, and filled with jaw-dropping opulence, Crazy Rich Asians is an insider's look at the Asian JetSet; a perfect depiction of the clash between old money and new money; between Overseas Chinese and Mainland Chinese; and a fabulous novel about what it means to be young, in love, and gloriously, crazily rich.
When Rachel Chu agrees to spend the summer in Singapore with her boyfriend, Nicholas Young, she envisions a humble family home, long drives to explore the island, and quality time with the man she might one day marry. What she doesn't know is that Nick's family home happens to look like a palace, that she'll ride in more private planes than cars, and that with one of Asia's most eligible bachelors on her arm, Rachel might as well have a target on her back. Initiated into a world of dynastic splendor beyond imagination, Rachel meets Astrid, the It Girl of Singapore society; Eddie, whose family practically lives in the pages of the Hong Kong socialite magazines; and Eleanor, Nick's formidable mother, a woman who has very strong feelings about who her son should--and should not--marry. Uproarious, addictive, and filled with jaw-dropping opulence, Crazy Rich Asians is an insider's look at the Asian JetSet; a perfect depiction of the clash between old money and new money; between Overseas Chinese and Mainland Chinese; and a fabulous novel about what it means to be young, in love, and gloriously, crazily rich.
Hardcover, 403 pages
Published
June 11th 2013
by Doubleday
Terri's Thoughts
I was at a dinner party the other night and someone brought up this book. Upon my return home I saw the movie trailer on TV and thought this was a sign that I must pick up the book. If there was any chance I would be going to see the movie, I of course had to read the book first. I chose to listen to the audio book version for this.
I am not going to go in to any details of the plot as this book was published in 2013 and the movie has been out for at least a month so I think most people know what it is about by now. Instead I am just going to spit out random thoughts that crossed my mind as I listened to the story.
The burning question I have is if any of this story is based on reality? Seriously, do people like this actually exist out there? I would like to think no but fear the answer is probably yes. The shallow and me, me, me attitudes of the folks in this story is truly obnoxious (not all but most). It also made for a pretty funny read. I couldn't even imagine running in these social circles however I think I could have a heyday with it in small doses.
I had a difficult time envisioning how/why this story was adapted in to a movie as it was mostly superficial however there was an underlying depth within that I suspect is more what the movie focused on. For the most part you had to dig deep to find this depth as the story mainly focused on the opulence and extravagance of the filthy (or should I say crazy) rich Asian jet set.
I am currently conflicted as I see this book is actually part of a series. While I had some good laughs and the ending was left quite open, I don't know if I want to invest more time with these characters. They were just so extremely "crazy". I will probably go see the movie and then decide if I want to finish the series.
I had a good time with this story but I am not sure I am convinced about what the hype is all about. The jury is out for me.
About the Author
Kevin Kwan is the author of "Crazy Rich Asians," the international bestseller now being adapted as a major motion picture. The sequel, "China Rich Girlfriend," will be released on June 16, 2015. Born and raised in Singapore, Kwan has called Manhattan home for the past two decades but still craves pineapple tarts and a decent plate of Hokkien mee.
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