Reviews

Sex and Vanity by Kevin Kwan

me_alley's review

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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 against another edition

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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

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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 against another edition

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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!

fiatlux78's review against another edition

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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

yodamom's review against another edition

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4.0

3.5 stars My first Kwan read was a hit for me. I was quickly hooked with all the quirky characters and the location. I didn’t even like any of the characters and still I enjoyed this read very much, it was hard to put down. The visuals were amazing, Mr. Kwan writes images so beautifully. We star is one of the most stunning places, Capri Italy. Lucie and her cousin (chaperon) are there for a wedding. Not a normal wedding, no imagine having an endless budget and a need to wow the world type wedding and you’d still to get close. It was a jaw dropping experience. While there she manages to meet a sexy Chinese man, one her family and friends would not approve of. In this world money and status comes trumps love every time. Too bad they keep getting thrown together and the feelings are real, even if not welcome.
Lucie is half Asian and was raise all her life not to let down her family. Avoiding her Asian heritage trying to blend in with her billionaire friends. She’s nasty, racist, a chameleon, who judges all based on her narrow views. I never grew to like her at all.

emoxxecologist's review

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2.5

I kept expecting it to get better, but it didn’t.

pattyfeme's review against another edition

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

3.5

thomasr417's review against another edition

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funny reflective 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

alayna017's review against another edition

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4.0

Another great one by Kevin Kwan! I love the view into the super rich life and the characters he creates. The relationship between Lucy and George felt a bit rushed; I wish there would have been more interactions with them. Overall, it was a fun read. Hope he’s working on his next novel!