Sex and Vanity: A Novel by Kevin Kwan Series: Cities #1
Also in this series: Lies and Weddings: A Novel
Published by Penguin Random House, Doubleday on June 30, 2020
Genres: Fiction / Asian American & Pacific Islander
Format: Hardcover
Source: Personal Copy
Bookclub(s):A GMA Book Club Pick
Buy on Amazon, Buy on Indigo
Goodreads
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • GMA BOOK CLUB PICK • The author of the international phenomenon Crazy Rich Asians takes us from Capri to NYC, where a young woman finds herself torn between two men—and two very different cultures.
"Another riveting tale of privilege, culture and romance ... extravagant fashion and deceit, resulting in one truly modern love story." —CNN
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.
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 fiancé, Lucie finds herself drawn to George again. Soon, Lucie is spinning a web of deceit that involves her family, her fiancé, 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. Moving between summer playgrounds of privilege, peppered with decadent food and extravagant fashion, Sex and Vanity is a truly modern love story, a daring homage to A Room with a View, and a brilliantly funny comedy of manners set between two cultures.
Review
Kevin Kwan, the mastermind behind the Crazy Rich Asians trilogy, is back with Sex and Vanity, a whirlwind of love, identity, and over-the-top luxury. This book throws you headfirst into Lucie Churchill’s world as she navigates her American and Chinese identities amidst the Hamptons’ elite and Hong Kong’s vibrant streets. Kwan’s writing is so immersive that you can practically taste the champagne.
Lucie’s struggle to reconcile her heritage with societal expectations resonates with anyone who’s ever felt caught between two worlds. Kwan effortlessly blends humour with insightful commentary on class, race, and love. The supporting characters are equally captivating, each adding their unique flavour to this tapestry of conflicting values and social aspirations.
However, the pacing can feel a bit erratic. Just as you become invested in a subplot, you’re suddenly transported to a different scene. Despite this, Sex and Vanity excels in its exploration of cultural identity and the pressures of familial expectations, prompting reflection on the superficiality of social status.
While it may not completely recapture the magic of the Crazy Rich Asians series, it remains a captivating read, perfect for those who enjoy contemporary fiction with a humorous yet critical lens on modern society. Prepare to be swept away into a world of extravagance that will leave you pondering the true meaning of belonging.
