Wednesday, December 27, 2023

Sex and Vanity by Kevin Kwan



T
itle: Sex and Vanity

Author: Kevin Kwan
Genre: Fiction
Other books I've read by this author: Crazy Rich AsiansChina Rich Girlfriend, Rich People Problems



Synopsis: On her very first morning on the jewel-like island of Capri, Lucie Churchill sets eyes on George Zao and she instantly can't stand him. She can't stand it when he gallantly offers to trade hotel rooms with her so that she can have a view of the Tyrrhenian Sea, she can't stand that he knows more about Casa Malaparte than she does, and she really can't stand it when he kisses her in the darkness of the ancient ruins of a Roman villa and they are caught by her snobbish, disapproving cousin Charlotte. "Your mother is Chinese so it's no surprise you'd be attracted to someone like him," Charlotte teases. 

The daughter of an American-born Chinese mother and a blue-blooded New York father, Lucie has always sublimated the Asian side of herself in favor of the white side, and she adamantly denies having feelings for George. But several years later, when George unexpectedly appears in East Hampton, where Lucie is weekending with her new fiancĂ©, Lucie finds herself drawn to George again. Soon, Lucie is spinning a web of deceit that involves her family, her fiancĂ©, the co-op board of her Fifth Avenue apartment building, and ultimately herself as she tries mightily to deny George entry into her world - and her heart. - Back Cover


My Thoughts

After reading (and loving) the Crazy Rich Asians trilogy, I had high hopes for the latest novel by Kevin Kwan. It was a cute story that I had intended as a palate cleanser between heavy historical fiction novels, but it didn't quite hit the spot as its predecessors had. Some parts were good; light and fun, quick to read; but points it felt so slow that I wasn't interested in picking it up again (thus the long wait between posts). It felt predictable and the characters weren't super interesting. Overall, it was fine, but not one that I'd say anyone NEEDS to read.

Comment below if you have read this book or have suggestions for others like it!



To buy this book from Amazon now, click on the image at the top of the post.
To see more from the author, visit the website linked above