Reviews

Sex and Vanity by Kevin Kwan

gabbieaschim's review against another edition

funny lighthearted medium-paced

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

3.0

siobhanward's review against another edition

lighthearted medium-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 think <i> Crazy Rich Asians </i> worked as well as it did because of the characters. All of them were so developed that even if they were hard to like, they were fun to read about. In this case, all of the characters felt underdeveloped, which meant that this book was just about boring rich people doing rich people things. The over the top, lavish details in CRA worked because they offered a background to a solid cast of characters. In this case, it came across more like Kwan was just trying to show off his knowledge of expensive schools and brands. It felt like a catalogue that had a tiny bit of very predictable plot woven in as an afterthought. 

happylilkt's review against another edition

4.0

3.5

While Kwan's trademark footnotes, trashy gossip, conspicuous spending, sex, and profanity are all still here, his ambitious retelling of E.M. Forster's sensuous and class-critical A Room with a View is very different from his CRA series—and in my opinion, is excellently done. Readers who are not familiar with Forster's original will likely be disappointed, for Lucie Churchill's awakening from rigid social restraint to passionate creativity is painful to witness (as it is in Forster's original). But the cringe worthy moments are relatable to anyone who has ever been a juvenile or has ever had social fears.

I had my doubts as to whether Kwan could pull it off, but I'm impressed! I'm rereading A Room With a View soon and this book is amplifying my delight at the prospect.

I still can't give it more than 3.5 stars because of his crude / dishy style, but I'm rounding up to 4 because I think this book is underrated by the CRA fans who had this way too hyped up to NOT be disappointed.

Content: lots of profanity and generally trashy / coarse language as well as a few bedroom scenes.

jenniferduannfultz's review against another edition

medium-paced

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

2.5

Readable but I didn't enjoy the story of characters 

fkshg8465's review against another edition

emotional lighthearted medium-paced

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

3.0

Too easy to expect more after reading Crazy Rich Asians. Had to remind myself that the trilogy itself was inconsistent in entertainment value. Also had to remember that this is a light hearted romance that is supposed to be a guilty pleasure, and in that sense, that was accomplished. Also appreciated the nod to the Hampshire Valley colleges (Smith, Mount Holyoke, and Amherst, though MHC’s reference could’ve been more flattering). In the end, it delivered enough fun.

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Infidelity, Colonisation, Death of parent, Antisemitism, Grief, and Racism

ryanlim561's review against another edition

lighthearted medium-paced

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

3.25

thepopeinator's review against another edition

and what if he has written mine on my upper thigh only in my mind?? 

keen23's review against another edition

4.0

Lucie was terrible. Just awful for most of the book. Oh the poor billionaire struggling heiress, such a difficult life. But the book itself was a delight. I loved the acerbic social commentary.

lycheetini's review against another edition

lighthearted fast-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

2.0

lovingrose_'s review against another edition

lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.5

This book was good/okay to me. For me, it was hard to relate to the main character at most scenes. I did love her boldness when she broke off her engagement with him. I know it's never easy breaking up with someone since we can make excuses to stay together. However, if the interest, goals, and wants are not align than its not worth staying. Also, I did love how she finally grew out of the 'people pleasing' to finally make choices for her own happiness and not her families. That is one of the few I can relate. It was a good reminder to make choices for our happiness. All of us should not compromise our happiness for someone else's. 

My favorite scene has to be the ending when he brought her out to that special place. For a second, I thought he was going to propose to her but he was thinking about it when he brings her out there again. I thought that was a sweet moment. 

Overall, It was good/okay ready. Would have quickly read this if I was able to connect to the characters more.

---

Content Warnings

Moderate: Racism