Nicholas Young is back at his family home in Singapore – Tyersall Park. His grandmother is ill and he’s not sure he should be here – the last time he was in Singapore, Su Yi caused an uproar over Nick’s choice for a bride. But of all her grandchildren, Nick is the least of the family problems! Affairs, scandal, and drama are never far from the family’s younger generation. The biggest dramatic moment comes not from the younger generation’s actions, but from Su Yi’s death and the reading of her will. As all her secrets are divulged after her death, Nick gains a new respect and understanding of his grandmother and the sacrifices she made to keep up the family’s image.
Kevin Kwan’s Crazy Rich Asians trilogy became beloved by readers worldwide after the series was adapted into the 2018 movie by the same name. If you read the initial offering in this series after seeing the movie and felt like you were missing parts of the drama – the next two installments definitely bring just that. Rich People Problems, the finale to the series, sees the death of the matriarch and her own brand of satire and karma with the inheritances she planned. This also sees a reconciliation of families and friends as many of the dramatic plots from the previous two novels are resolved – Astrid finds her true love, Kitty Pong finds what really matters, and Colette Bing gets what’s coming to her…finally. This is a book about forgiveness, sacrifice, and not letting go when you find your true love.
I give Rich People Problems 4 out of 5 stars. I love the way Kwan writes about the elegant families in his novels in a way that shows the pains they go through to put on a public image while coming apart at the seams behind closed doors. Of the three novels, I think I still favor the first in the series, but they are all so well written and the plots are engaging. I did feel like this book in particular was written more like it was a preparation for a film adaptation than the others. That could be, in part, the fact that the movie was in the works and discussions were being had prior to this book hitting the shelves. With that said, Kwans ability to paint a picture with his words and build characters you both love…and love to hate…made me love this book!
If you loved the Crazy Rich Asians movie, you definitely need to read the whole trilogy, not just this book. Given the backstory in the first two books, I would not call this a standalone read. I would direct this book to readers over the age of 13 due to discussions of suicide, sex tapes, and other sensitive topics. This would be a great choice for a book club or girlfriend getaway, too!
I chose Rich People Problems for the Read With Lindsey 2024 Reading Challenge prompt “by an Asian Author”. Kevin Kwan was born in Singapore and raised in America after age 11. His family is much like that of Su Li with prominence in the banking and business worlds of Singapore and throughout Asia, as well as recognition by the British royal family. Singapore is a unique setting to read about given the blends of other cultures present including the Anglo-English/Western influences, as well as Chinese, Malay, and Arab cultures. Kwan represents these throughout this trilogy, but especially here in the final installment. It is a very diverse environment and a true melting pot of influences. Have you been to Singapore? It’s on my bucket list!
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What I’m Reading
- Current print book: A Happier Life, Kristy Woodson Harvey
- Current audio book: The Guncle, Steven Rowley
- Book I’m most looking forward to: Legends of the Fall, Jim Harrison
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