Kevin Kwan explores race and identity in 'Sex and Vanity' and 'Lies and Weddings'

Kevin Kwan, known for his Crazy Rich Asians series, reveals an eagerness to venture beyond the familiar grounds of Hong Kong and Singapore, where his previous narratives unfolded, to seek creative rejuvenation and evolution.

Exploring New Settings and Narratives

Kwan disclosed his desire to challenge himself by stepping away from the settings of his past works. He yearned for something novel, a divergence that would introduce a "breath of fresh inspiration" to his writing portfolio. This led to his latest endeavor, "Sex and Vanity," where Kwan transports his readers from the luxuriant social landscapes of Asia to the romantic and historic backdrops of Italy and New York.

A Modern Take on a Classic Tale

Inspired by E.M. Forster's literary piece, "A Room with a View," Kwan felt compelled to reimagine this classic ...

Kevin Kwan’s books delve deeply into the layers of race, identity, and cultural dynamics. His stories reveal personal struggles with racism and unconscious biases, even within seemingly well-intentioned communities.

Kwan's books openly address issues of racism and unconscious biases, even within well-intentioned communities.

Characters in Kwan’s books face direct confrontations with racial issues and distinctions within their own families.

Lucy, the protagonist of Sex and Vanity, grapples with a lifetime of "tiny paper cuts" from her family's casual racist remarks and their preference for her "pedigreed" white side over her Chinese heritage.

Lucy, the protagonist of "Sex and Vanity," is a character whose experiences reveal the complex nuances of racial and social hierarchies. Lucy feels that her upper-class, Wall Street family might regard George as an unsuitable match because he doesn't come from the right kind of wealth. She is compelled to face her inner racism and bias towards the Asian side of her family, which she perceives as less pedigreed compared to her father's side. Throughout her life, she suffers from the microaggressions arising from her family’s subtle yet pervasive unconscious racism, which leads her to self-censor and struggle to accept the love they show her.

Kwan's characters, often of mixed racial backgrounds, represent the complexities of navigating between different cultural identities and feeling a sense of belonging.

Kwan expertly portrays the multifaceted journeys of his characters as they grapple with their identities in a world replete with racial complexities.

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Kevin Kwan's novels provide an opulent window into the lifestyles of the rich and famous, artfully using his narratives to explore themes of identity and the modern Asian experience through the lens of luxury.

Kwan's books provide detailed, meticulously researched depictions of the lifestyles and luxury experiences of the global elite.

Kwan immerses readers in the world of high-end fashion, art, jewelry, and other trappings of extreme wealth, using these details to establish a sense of escapism and indulgence.

Kwan's latest novel, "Lies and Weddings," the sequel to the 2020 launch "Sex and Vanity," continues to deliver a striking display of opulence featuring exclusive real estate and high fashion. He underscores the authenticity of this wealth by revealing that everything from the dress designers to the jewelry makers and bespoke tailors is meticulously researched and portrayed in his books. Renowned individuals such as jewelry designer Michelle Ong, referred to as Carnet, and bespoke tailors like Satori Ripensei of Rome populate his rich settings. His attention to detail shines in descriptions of luxury items, such as pillows crafted for the Pope, which serves to underline the indulgent lifestyle of his characters.

Kwan's narratives often center on the intricacies of social status and pedigree within these ultra-wealthy circles.

Characters' academic and family backgrounds are emphasized, highlighting the importance of social snobbery and pedigree in certain privileged communities.

Character formation is key to Kwan's storytelling; an example is Rufus Leon Gresham, introduced as a Viscount with his mother being a former supermodel from Hong Kong and his English father an Earl. This mixture of pedigree paints a vivid picture of interconnectedness among the global elite. The novel places a specific emphasis on the characters' education, noting at their introduction their history with esteemed institutions, boarding schools, and universities like NYY and Pepperdine, which indicates the importance of academic standing in the social pecking order.

Kwan's portrayal of wealth and ...