Reviews with content warning for Racism - Sex and Vanity

I'm a big Kevin Kwan fan, and though Sex and Vanity lacked the nuanced commentary that made Crazy Rich Asians such a fantastic read, I still enjoyed this over-the-top, escapist novel.

I think it's helpful to keep in mind that Kwan wrote S&V as an homage to A Room with a View. This story reads as a comedy of manners, more concerned with what people do than why. If you're looking for introspection and satisfying character development you might be disappointed.

I agree with other reviewers that, though Kwan does an excellent job cataloguing the myriad ways in which Asian Americans experience racism & microaggressions, there's never any consistent effort to further interrogate those experiences. I think this story lacked an outsider's perspective (like the one Rachel offered in CRA), which meant many of the moments meant as satire instead came off as caricatures.

All of that being said, Kevin Kwan is an "automatic read" author for me. Even at his "worst," his writing is still witty, unique, and the kind of indulgent treat that makes for great summer reading.

Content Warnings

kierscrivener's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny reflective fast-paced

Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

This is a book with a lot of disappointed reviews and I didn't hate it. I didn't love it either. But I didn't hate it. It has the same style as Crazy Rich Asians but less introspection. Lucie as a character is very flawed, and I never grew to care for her. I did laugh several times aloud and I appreciated the conversations on racism, biracial identity and how you can be internally racist and that just because someone loves you doesn't keep them from being racist. These conversations were mostly had in the last few chapters but Kwan did show her unsurety around her identity and the racism she experienced throughout but I didn't feel like Lucie as a character or her romance had reached a satisfying amount of growth by the end. Especially the romance, he was barely in it and there was little to root for.

Content Warnings

berodatheelf's review against another edition

Go to review page

lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.5

Content Warnings

womanwill's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

Content Warnings

manon_misheck's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

This book may not go down as one of my favorites, but it was exactly what I needed! Kwan brought his signature style to Sex & Vanity that makes you feel like you’re gossiping with your friend who knows all the tea. Us average people of course can’t relate to the ultra-rich characters, but it’s so fun to be a fly on the wall in their world for a bit to escape the heaviness of our reality. Our book club agreed that we would love an entire story about Marian or Freddie! This book came at the perfect time for me, & I really enjoyed it. Now I will continue impatiently awaiting the second Crazy Rich Asians movie!!

Content Warnings

astoldbyangela's review against another edition

Go to review page

lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

this book is a romp! i was expecting a similar vibe to crazy rich asians, which is definitely has, this book deals with some of the issues that arise more quickly than CRA. everything felt like it moved a little too fast, yet characters were taking forever to make decisions. could have used 99% less cecil.

Content Warnings

egmamaril's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

While I was expecting a light and fun read, I was struck by how emotional I got. I suppose I'm starved for representations of Asian-White young women, but this book struck a lot of chords for me. I also appreciate all of the little literature-related Easter eggs Kwan drops.

Content Warnings

More...