Kevin Kwan’s book Sex and Vanity has recently been released.
Kwan was born in Singapore, from a wealthy background, and moved to the United States as a child. He attended The University of Houston-Clear Lake, graduating with a BA in Media Studies, and went on to obtain a BFA in Photography from Parsons School of Design. Kwan is 47, and lives in Los Angeles. He has been described as a Singapore-American satirical novelist. His first book, Crazy Rich Asians, became a number one best seller, and went on to become a major film as well.
Other books by the same author are China Rich Girlfriend and Rich People Problems.
The opening segments of the book have been referred to as paying homage to EM Foster’s famous A Room with a View, with the book set on the Isle of Capri - the destination wedding of a well-connected, celebrity couple. The main character - Lucie Tang Churchill (19) - and her companion Charlotte (40-something) finding themselves in a hotel room not overlooking the beaches as requested.
Enter wildly over the top, outrageously wealthy Rosemary Zao and her gorgeous, but much quieter son George, who offers their room as an alternative. After much angst and debate, the room is taken. You can google the original read – as I did, or treat yourself to the original novel.
The main characters attend a week of sumptuous events culminating in the wedding itself. The writer then continues to treat the reader to the privileged Manhattan life that Lucie, her family and friends inhabit. Time passes, and we attend Lucie’s equally over-the-top wedding proposal to Cecil, a moneyed Instagram influencer.
The author refers to a theme throughout the book, where the main character struggles with her mixed heritage, her acceptance in and of her Mayflower / Chinese roots. Her feelings of resentment to a brother who looks more Caucasian than she does, who she feels is more easily accepted on his path through life and will inherit, of course. Whereas she should marry on and do well for herself, at least that’s what her family expects. The reader can only hope that she finds her way in the end. Read and see what becomes of Lucie and her cohorts and their lives.
Sex and Vanity can be summed up as a light read, filled with fashion designer names, well-connected Colleges and family names that are dropped on almost every page, Instagram or otherwise. Yes, an easy read, with sartorially pretentious elements throughout the plot. (Intended, of course!)
Sex and Vanity is published by Penguin Random House UK – 2020. ISBN 9780385546270 - Christine E Hann
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