Lies and Weddings: A Novel by Kevin Kwan Series: Cities #2
Also in this series: Sex and Vanity: A Novel
Published by Penguin Random House, Doubleday on May 21, 2024
Genres: Fiction / Asian American & Pacific Islander
Pages: 448
Format: Hardcover
Source: Personal Copy
Buy on Amazon, Buy on Indigo
Goodreads
From the iconic internationally bestselling author of the Crazy Rich Asians trilogy: A forbidden affair erupts volcanically amid a decadent Hawaiian wedding in this outrageous comedy of manners.
Rufus Leung Gresham, future Earl of Greshambury and son of a former Hong Kong supermodel has a problem: the legendary Gresham Trust has been depleted by decades of profligate spending, and behind all the magazine covers and Instagram stories of manors and yachts lies nothing more than a gargantuan mountain of debt. The only solution, put forth by Rufus’s scheming mother, is for Rufus to attend his sister’s wedding on the Big Island of Hawaii, a veritable who’s-who of sultans, barons, and oligarchs, and seduce a woman with money.
Should he marry Solène de Courcy, a French hotel heiress with honey blond tresses and a royal bloodline? Should he pursue Martha Dung, the tattooed venture capital genius who passes out billions like lollipops? Or should he follow his heart, betray his family, squander his legacy, and finally confess his love to the literal girl next door, the humble daughter of a doctor, Eden Tong? When a volcanic eruption burns through the nuptials and a hot mic exposes a secret tryst, the Gresham family plans—and their reputation—go up in flames. Can the once-great dukedom rise from the ashes? Or will a secret tragedy, hidden for two decades, reveal a shocking twist?
In a globetrotting tale that takes us from the black sand beaches of Hawaii to the skies of Marrakech, from the glitzy bachelor pads of Los Angeles to the inner sanctums of England’s oldest family estates, Kevin Kwan unfurls a juicy, hilarious, sophisticated and thrillingly plotted story of love, money, murder, sex, and the lies we tell about them all.
Review
Kevin Kwan’s Lies and Weddings is a fun and sharp look at love, lies, and the crazy world of modern weddings. If you’ve read his popular Crazy Rich Asians trilogy, you know Kwan’s style – he dives deep into family dramas, social pressures, and the ridiculousness of luxury weddings, all with his trademark wit and humour.
The story is set against a backdrop of lavish venues and high-stakes ceremonies, following a bunch of interconnected characters. Each one is dealing with their own dreams and secrets amidst the wedding chaos. Kwan balances laugh-out-loud moments with heartfelt reflections on relationships, making us both laugh and feel.
We meet extravagant brides, overbearing moms, and surprise love interests, and Kwan paints a vivid picture of a world where looks are everything. But beneath all the glitz, he cleverly exposes the lies that often lie beneath these grand celebrations, making us question what truly matters in our own lives.
What makes Lies and Weddings stand out is Kwan’s knack for mixing social commentary with an engaging story. He highlights the absurdities of wealth and status while delving into universal themes of love, betrayal, and the search for authenticity. The characters are richly developed, each with their own quirks and complexities that make them relatable, even in their over-the-top lives.
With beautiful writing and a keen insight into human nature, Lies and Weddings offers a thought-provoking yet fun read. Kwan’s sharp observations and witty dialogue keep you turning pages, eager to see how each lie unravels and what real connection looks like amidst the wedding madness.
In short, Lies and Weddings is another win for Kevin Kwan. It blends humour, scandal, and genuine emotion in a way only he can. Whether you love romantic comedies or just want a smart, entertaining read, this book is a must-add to your list. Get ready for a whirlwind of glamour and drama that will make you reflect on the ties that bind us—both the real ones and those built on lies.
