A review by natia_nfg
Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan

challenging funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I actually watched the movie way before reading the book and I love the movie with my whole heart. The book was a quite a surprise for that reason. I had seen commentary on how the movie watered down the themes of the book and I really came to understand that after finishing the book. The satirical nature of the world of the crazy rich was so compelling to read. While I loved how Nick's character was almost blissfully unaware of his world, I found myself feeling a bit frustrated with him, especially because his naivetĆ© came at Rachel's expense. I also loved reading about Astrid and Michael's relationship, especially in conjunction with Nick and Rachel's. The extensive measures that Michael had to take to find a way out, the way that Astrid thought she understood his struggle, is so similar to Nick and Rachel. It becomes more interesting because unlike Nick, Astrid doesn't delude herself into thinking that the money or the family can't seriously impact her husband, but even that level of self-awareness wasn't enough. I also like how the book doesn't perfectly resolve Nick and Rachel's relationship, which makes me even more excited to read the next book. It really is a great book and I felt like I could really imagine the world they live in vividly. My one issue with the book is Bernard TaišŸ¤¢šŸ¤¢. I get it, he's supposed to suck, but he just makes me too uncomfortable for me to overlook it. 
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