This book was purchased by me for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
Sex and Vanity : A Novel by Kevin KwanSeries: Cities Trilogy #1
Publication Date: June 30, 2020
Publisher: Doubleday / Penguin Random House
Pages: 336
Goodreads: Add It
Source: Personal Copy
Genre: Fiction / Asian American & Pacific Islander
Rating: ★★★
Synopsis:
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
“Sex and Vanity: A Novel” by Kevin Kwan has been on my to-read list for a while. If Kevin Kwan is the author, there’s a high likelihood that I’ll read it. Oddly enough, I overlooked this book until now. It’s the first installment in his Cities Trilogy, a term used loosely since the cast of characters changes with each book. The unifying element across the series is the setting in various stunning cities worldwide, which are as integral to the stories as the characters and their antics.
The story unfolds in two primary locations: Capri and New York City, with some scenes in The Hamptons. The initial part set in Capri introduces the main characters, but the plot takes a while to pick up. The story contains some romance, mainly between Lucy and George, but their connection seems a bit weak. Fortunately, the multitude of other elements prevented this from dragging down the story.
By the time the narrative shifts to New York, several years have passed, and the characters are at different life stages. The plot becomes more grounded, notably with Lucy’s character development. However, all the characters, including Lucy, remain somewhat superficial. Her fiancé is cringe-worthy throughout his presence in the story. Most of the discussions about race, class, and social distinctions occur through Lucy’s interactions with her fiancé. Yet, despite their significance to the plot, these themes receive only superficial treatment.
While “Sex and Vanity: A Novel” doesn’t quite reach the heights of “Crazy Rich Asians,” it’s still an enjoyable read. It’s a light-hearted and accessible book that I completed in one sitting. Despite some heavy topics, it would make an ideal beach read.
