Have you been keeping up with the Kevin Kwan series Crazy Rich Asians? We're taking a look at the final installment in our book review!
Despite a number of Hong Kong bookshops having closed their doors in recent years, it seems that many of us in the 852 still love a good read – from graphic novels to Chinese literature – especially over the summer months when we are lying poolside! For our inaugural book review, we decided that we simply had to cover something that was geographically relevant, so naturally we went for the latest installment from Kevin Kwan, Rich People Problems. Find out why you have to pick up this one below.
Rich People Problems by Kevin Kwan
When Rich People Problems, the third installment from the Crazy Rich Asians series, made a surprise early appearance on Hong Kong bookshelves, it caused a frenzied Whatsapp chain of events for many. As people rushed to get their hands on the final chapters of this enthralling story, the upper classes of Southeast Asia shuttered in fear of whose embarrassments would be the most trending quotes and laughable moments from inside the cover. Now flying off bookshelves across the world, it’s time to spill some of that mega rare Chinese tea on what the crazy rich are scheming next.
Crazy Rich Asians had us shocked and awe-struck as we got a glimpse into the life of the uber wealthy. However, China Rich Girlfriend showed the darkness that comes out when the golden foundation is being rocked inside these cliques. Now, Rich People Problems brings an emotional element that made us feel all the feels for the characters and proves to be a worthy ending to this story.
Where once we feverishly flipped the pages for a glimpse into a distant lifestyle of sky high spas and ateliers, we are now given relatable moments where the problems of the rich seem all too similar to the problems of the not-so-rich. From losing a family matriarch to providing support for those they love, it contains elements of love and loss that are all too real – keep the Tempo pack near. But don’t fret, as Kitty is still shocking atelier assistants by requesting three versions of each couture Giambattista creation.
This brings me to a moment of recognition for Mr. Kevin Kwan, as he has elevated his fashion game. Previously we had the more commonly recognised names of Saint Laurent and Chanel, while now the more niche garments of Jacquemus, Vetements, and Alexis Mabille (at lunch at Helena May nonetheless!) adorn our beloved girls made of gold.
With the hotly anticipated movie beginning to film (Gemma Chan as the beloved Astrid Leong!), the hype is sure to stay throughout the summer on this one. Whether it is the effortless enchantment of Astrid, the naïve charm of Nicholas, or the odd flying bowl of spicy laksa, Kwan’s wrapped this story up as neat as a new gift from Hermes.
