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sarahk_42's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
anjalisudarsan's review
4.0
I absolutely adore Kevin lean’s style of writing! It’s so colorful and vivid and his characters are so camp and fun. It’s like I can picture all these characters. I also enjoy how well he describes locations, foods and cultures, it has enough details to keep me interested.
The plot of this story was cute, I liked lucies dilemma and progression. I did find her relationship with George a bit scattered, the chemistry was lacking. But it worked for the plot, and this whole book felt like a welcome distraction
The plot of this story was cute, I liked lucies dilemma and progression. I did find her relationship with George a bit scattered, the chemistry was lacking. But it worked for the plot, and this whole book felt like a welcome distraction
shelbymarie516's review against another edition
4.0
3.75
This was the over-the-top, dripping in diamonds luxury that makes Kevin Kwan great. I wish the characters had, well, more character. I feel like the CRA characters were more rounded out and stronger. Maybe it was because the characters ages, maybe it was because this book was around a third shorter than CRA.
So I really liked this but at points I felt like I didn't love the characters the way I wanted to. They were more shallow and not easy to like. You know how you are supposed to love hating the villain? I never got that, and I never felt like I was cheering for the main characters. Sure I wanted them to fall in love and live happily ever after but I just wanted to slap them at some points.
I also really hope that if this is the beginning of a trilogy, I hope we get an Astrid/Charlie book. We should also look into doing a trilogy on Kitty Pong...
This was the over-the-top, dripping in diamonds luxury that makes Kevin Kwan great. I wish the characters had, well, more character. I feel like the CRA characters were more rounded out and stronger. Maybe it was because the characters ages, maybe it was because this book was around a third shorter than CRA.
So I really liked this but at points I felt like I didn't love the characters the way I wanted to. They were more shallow and not easy to like. You know how you are supposed to love hating the villain? I never got that, and I never felt like I was cheering for the main characters. Sure I wanted them to fall in love and live happily ever after but I just wanted to slap them at some points.
I also really hope that if this is the beginning of a trilogy, I hope we get an Astrid/Charlie book. We should also look into doing a trilogy on Kitty Pong...
louisayd's review
2.0
Quick easy read with mostly unlikeable characters. This book evoked Crazy Rich Asians but pales in comparison. If you want something intellectually challenging then choose a different author, but if you're just looking for a nice beach read the author's Crazy Rich Asians series is significantly better.
me_alley's review against another edition
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
This book is great if you like lengthy, luxurious descriptions of very wealthy people on the island of Capri. If you’re into plot, and characterization, maybe not so much.
me_alley's review
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
This book is great if you like lengthy, luxurious descriptions of very wealthy people on the island of Capri. If you’re into plot, and characterization, maybe not so much.
letidn's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
amanda1793's review
4.0
I love Kwan. He has this way of making me laugh and feel all of the feelings in one sentence.
I love this story. I found it to be a very interesting exploration of the feelings mixed race persons may feel at any given time, whilst also discussing the family dynamics of both sides of the family (this case being white and Chinese). I am, however, not BIPOC, so I cannot speak to the accuracy of how people genuinely feel in these situations.
I loved seeing characters from Crazy Rich Asians in this story. The atmosphere of both New York and Capri was amazing.
I do hope we get, if not a novel, even a short story, of some continuation for Lucie and George. I loved their Romeo and Juliet-esque story.
Highly recommend any and all of Kwan's work!
I love this story. I found it to be a very interesting exploration of the feelings mixed race persons may feel at any given time, whilst also discussing the family dynamics of both sides of the family (this case being white and Chinese). I am, however, not BIPOC, so I cannot speak to the accuracy of how people genuinely feel in these situations.
I loved seeing characters from Crazy Rich Asians in this story. The atmosphere of both New York and Capri was amazing.
I do hope we get, if not a novel, even a short story, of some continuation for Lucie and George. I loved their Romeo and Juliet-esque story.
Highly recommend any and all of Kwan's work!
fiatlux78's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5