Rich People Problems
A Novel
Book - 2017
When Nicholas Young hears that his grandmother, Su Yi, is on her deathbed, he rushes to be by her bedside--but he's not alone. It seems the entire Shang-Young clan has convened from all corners of the globe, ostensibly to care for their matriarch, but truly to stake claim on the massive fortune that Su Yi controls. With each family member secretly fantasizing about getting the keys to Tyersall Park--a trophy estate on 64 prime acres in the heart of Singapore--the place becomes a hotbed of intrigue and Nicholas finds himself blocked from entering the premises. As relatives claw over heirlooms, Astrid Leong finds herself at the center of her own storm, desperately in love with her old sweetheart Charlie Wu, but tormented by his ex-wife--a woman hell-bent on destroying Astrid's reputation and relationship. Meanwhile Kitty Pong, married to billionaire Jack Bing and determined to raise their son more lavishly than a future king, finds a formidable opponent in his fashionista daughter, Colette.
A sweeping novel that takes us from the elegantly-appointed mansions of Manila to the secluded private islands in the Sulu Sea, from a schoolyard kidnapping to a gold leaf dancefloor spattered with blood, Kevin Kwan's gloriously wicked new novel reveals the long-buried secrets and rich people problems of Asia's most privileged families.
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SPL_Shauna
Aug 06, 2017
If you have a beach trip planned, but you’re feeling a bit trepidatious about taking your Twitter feed, a newspaper, or magazine for light reading material in case your sunny glow is invaded by terrible news, don’t despair. For readers who’ve loved Danielle Steel for her glamour, or the Shopaholic series for the sheer fun of spending a couple hundred pages rolling in brand names, there’s a relatively new author you’re going to want to try: Kevin Kwan.
With the publication of Rich People Problems, his Crazy Rich Asians series is now three snarky, sparkly, sumptuously jetset books long. Though this is the third in the series, I'm happy to report the books stand alone beautifully; if you doubt you'll ever read Crazy Rich Asians or China Rich Girlfriend, go ahead and dive straight into this one. Like a lot of romance series, reading them out of order won’t ruin things so much as drive you to get caught up on gossip you missed in the last one.
Rich People Problems follows a multi-branched family in Singapore, whose failing matriarch is slated to leave behind an estate worth billions. Various family members are dragged through screamingly funny indignities - and some actual drama - in the race to capture Tyersall Park. Through it all, the prose is sumptuously, snarkily slathered with all the biggest brand names and designers, most glamorous hotels, and all the most ridiculous trappings of the lives of the super-rich. Honestly, this is the most literary fun you can have in hardcover. Grab a cold glass of pinot, put your feet up on your lounge chair, dig in, and indulge your schadenfreude. You won’t even wonder what bad news you’re missing.
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Add a CommentI love the title, but couldn’t get into the story.
It’s a great fairy tale ;)
I liked this book best of the trilogy. In Crazy Rich Asians I struggled to learn the characters and their relationships. In China Rich Girlfriend I really disliked Colette Bing and her world. This book brought us back to Nick and Astrid more. Though there's a serious side to this as Shang Su Yi is dying, it reads almost like a sitcom with Eddie's histronics and Kitty Pong's worries about staying ahead of her step-daughter in over-the-top indulgence. Though Nick and especially Rachel is kind of absent here you gotta love the characters, like Nick's dad, who really don't seem to care about money. A very good series.
Nicolas' grandmother, Shang Su Yi, has congestive heart failure. This has caused the entire family to descend upon Tyersall Park to see just how her wealth will be divided. Many shocks come - including the mess that has become Astrid Leong's divorce from Michael Teo and her plans to marry Charlie Wu as soon as possible. This was a fairly satisfying conclusion to the trilogy.
I didn't enjoy this humorous book as much as the first two books in the *Crazy Rich Asians* series. Unlike the first two books, this one doesn't focus on a central character so it wanders around aimlessly at the start. I really missed the great romances from the first two books, but this one eventually comes together nicely at the end.
LOL...
If you've ever visited Singapore or Hong Kong, this will have more meaning for you.
Anyone's who's had a rich relative can relate.
Can't wait to read the other books in this series.
The entire Crazy Rich Asian series is to say the least, amazing. Kevin Kwan is a true entertainer with his writing. His characters are so well defined and his story with this family did not disappoint. It is so so good right from the first book to this last one. I really hope he writes more and I would personally love to see a stand alone novel about Astrid (she was my favorite in the series) but all characters have merit and make the story what it is. Do not pass up this series! Also can't wait for the movie which is currently in production.
If your summer needs an injection of glitz, glamour and humour, stop everything and pick up this series. Though this is the 3rd in the series, I'm happy to report that the books stand alone beautifully; if you doubt you'll ever read *Crazy Rich Asians* or *China Rich Girlfriend*, go ahead and dive straight into this one.
Rich People Problems follows a many-branched family whose failing matriarch is slated to leave behind an estate in Singapore worth billions. Various family members are dragged through screamingly funny indignities - and some actual drama - in the race to capture Tyersall Park. Through it all, the prose is sumptuously, snarkily slathered with all the biggest brand names and designers, most glamorous hotels, and all the most ridiculous trappings of the lives of the super-rich. Honestly, this is the most literary fun you can have in hardcover. Grab a cold glass of pinot, put your feet up on your lounge chair, dig in, and indulge your schadenfreude.
Kevin Kwan is always dependable for huge amusement.
I read all three books by Kevin Kwan and they are great. Hope he does more.