A review by beckyyreadss
Rich People Problems by Kevin Kwan

adventurous challenging dark tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

I wanted to read this series because I really enjoyed the film and when I found out it was a series, I was intrigued to see how much it was close to the film and how they managed to make it into a series. This series has taught me that sometimes ignorance is bliss. If you ever want to torture me, get me to re-read this series.  

When Nick Young hears that his grandmother, Su Yi, is on her deathbed, he is tortured with being at her side and forgiving her and guilt for not talking to her in five years. He decides to go back home and be there for her. However, he is not alone. The entire Shang-Young family has convened from all corners of the globe to stake claims on their grandmother’s massive fortune. With each family member wondering who is to inherit Tyersall Park – a massive estate on 64 prime acres in the heart of Singapore – Nick's childhood home turns into a childish game of speculation and sabotage. As the relatives fight over heirlooms, Astrid is at the centre of her own storm, she is desperately in love with her old high school sweetheart Charlie Wu, but she is being tormented by her ex-husband, a man hell bent on destroying Astrid’s reputation and relationship. Meanwhile, Kitty Pong is married to China’s second richest man, billionaire Jack Bing, and yet she still feels second best next to her new stepdaughter, famous fashionista Colette Bing.  

Let’s start with what I liked about this book which was very little: the epilogue, he tried to end it on an interesting ending and sort of a happy ending, but I would have wanted that seven chapters before. A lot of information was packed in the epilogue that I would have wanted more from and how they got to that point. I wish the epilogue was the start of the story rather than the end.
  
Now, for the bits I didn’t like: Kitty Pong. This book gives the illusion that it’s about the Young family . . . it’s not, it’s about Kitty Pong. I didn’t like her character in the movie, and she didn’t deserve as much time as she got in this series. She makes the Kardashians look like saints. She was just a spoil brat who couldn’t stand the attention being anywhere else. I didn’t like Oliver being so two-faced especially when’s it's his family on the line. Michael was a complete dick and there was no other way to describe him, and he clearly doesn’t care about his kid he just wanted to ruin Astrid, which pissed me off because I love Astrid. Another one of the major issues I have with this novel is the writing. It was a very slow book, it dragged. But I don’t think the multiple parts helped – I don’t mind a book split in parts but at least carrying on the chapters as normal. When it hit part 2 and started again at Chapter 1 – it sort of confused me, I thought it was four books rolled into one. Another thing is usually, I like multiple POVs but with this book, the chapters say who the POVs are from like Nick and Rachel but then you’ll get Eddie’s or Kitty’s POV in the middle of that, which made it more confusing as it would just switch in a sentence.  

Overall, I wouldn’t recommend this series if you like the film, just stick to the dreamland of the film. Don't read the books.  
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