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thenovelmaura's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-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
5.0
One of my favorite audiobooks of the year! This book was so entertaining; the characters were fun and morally gray, and I love a good "listen as I tell my side of the story, Detective" framing. Ava was sometimes frustrating but you had to respect her hustle, and I loved how the dynamic between Ava and Winnie evolved as time went on. Since the focus was mainly on these two women, they were solidly fleshed-out and I could relate to different elements of their lives and histories without supporting all of their decisions. There was a twist right at the point where the story starts to lag, so that was perfectly timed.
My one issue is that I don't understand how they made any money from the central scam of the book... how is it profitable to return an exact dupe and then sell the real handbag online and retail? It might be less risky but you're not making any additional money. Honestly, I mostly overlooked this detail because the storytelling was engaging and I was along for the ride!
My one issue is that I don't understand how they made any money from the central scam of the book... how is it profitable to return an exact dupe and then sell the real handbag online and retail? It might be less risky but you're not making any additional money. Honestly, I mostly overlooked this detail because the storytelling was engaging and I was along for the ride!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Terminal illness
wngwendy's review
lighthearted
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Gaslighting and Xenophobia
krys_kilz's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-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
4.0
This book was a really fun and light read! I didn't find the twist all that shocking, but I also didn't entirely expect it. It kept me engaged the entire time and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
It was difficult to read about Ava's autistic coded son, Henri, at times. I don't think Chen handled it poorly, but the ableism from family members and the lack of support was hard to witness as an autistic person.
It was difficult to read about Ava's autistic coded son, Henri, at times. I don't think Chen handled it poorly, but the ableism from family members and the lack of support was hard to witness as an autistic person.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship and Xenophobia
Moderate: Ableism
Minor: Death of parent and Medical content
vaniavela's review
adventurous
funny
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is an easy read. The story begins with a first-person narration by Ava, who narrates her experiences with Winnie to the detective. Ava is not really likable, but she had good character development. That said, aside from her and Winnie, the other characters have no personality at all. They all seem really one dimensional.
Through this book we not only get an interesting premise, but insight into complex issues such as family expectations, consumerism, and labor exploitation.
Unfortunately it was a bit difficult to read because there were no quotation marks through most of the book. Being honest, I don't like that style of writing, especially since there is a lot of talking and no action.
Overall it was a great book, but I'm hoping for better!
tw: toxic friendship, toxic relationship, xenophobia, racism, alcoholism, medical content.
Through this book we not only get an interesting premise, but insight into complex issues such as family expectations, consumerism, and labor exploitation.
Unfortunately it was a bit difficult to read because there were no quotation marks through most of the book. Being honest, I don't like that style of writing, especially since there is a lot of talking and no action.
Overall it was a great book, but I'm hoping for better!
tw: toxic friendship, toxic relationship, xenophobia, racism, alcoholism, medical content.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Medical content, Racism, and Alcoholism
ambaright's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Counterfeit is a lighthearted fast paced novel that explores the elusive world of luxury handbag counterfeiting. Ava Wong has spent her life building the perfect life with a young son, successful surgeon as a husband, and a background as a lawyer. But beneath this facade her world is crumbling: her marriage falling apart, her expensive law degree not in use, and her toddlers tantrums pushing her to the breaking point. Enter Winnie Fang, Ava’s college freshman roommate from Mainland China who abruptly dropped out and disappeared. Now, twenty years later Winnie is looking to reconnect with her old friend and gain a business partner for her ingenious counterfeit scheme. Exploring upscale designer storefronts and the Chinese factories the luxury goods are produced, Counterfeit masterfully places the reader in the middle of the schemes.
I don’t want to spoil the book so I won’t say much, but the point of view used throughout the book is different than what I have read before and really does put you in the middle of the schemes. While most novels show positive character progression, Kristin Chen strays from this trend by revealing the dark side of counterfeiting and the impact it has on peoples lives, and the powerful hold money and control has on individuals. Ava and Winnie are both mischievous in their own way, but equally badass woman who demand more for their life.
I don’t want to spoil the book so I won’t say much, but the point of view used throughout the book is different than what I have read before and really does put you in the middle of the schemes. While most novels show positive character progression, Kristin Chen strays from this trend by revealing the dark side of counterfeiting and the impact it has on peoples lives, and the powerful hold money and control has on individuals. Ava and Winnie are both mischievous in their own way, but equally badass woman who demand more for their life.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Xenophobia
Minor: Injury/Injury detail
kirstym25's review
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, and Xenophobia
erinmjustice's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Alcoholism, Medical content, Racism, and Death of parent
Minor: Terminal illness and Ableism
izwit's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
fast-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? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship and Xenophobia
Moderate: Alcoholism
thebakerbookworm's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-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
3.5
This was a good quick listen; it kept me engaged and entertained, it surprised me in some places, though I was left with mixed feelings about the ending, unsure how I'm supposed to feel about the characters.
Most of the story is written as a conversation between Ava and a police detective, as she recounts how she got involved with the counterfeit scheme. I liked this narrative device and I think it served the story well, but I think the story would work better as a movie. Especially with the handbags—because honestly I am not a handbag person and had no idea what these bags were supposed to look like haha.
Even though the ending left me unsure how I feel about Ava and Winnie, they both still get nice development and complexity throughout the story and I appreciated that. I would actually say the characters are a little stronger than the plot here.
Anyways, it was an enjoyable listen and I'd definitely recommend the audiobook route for this one!
Thank you to Libro.fm, HarperAudio, and the author for my ALC!
Most of the story is written as a conversation between Ava and a police detective, as she recounts how she got involved with the counterfeit scheme. I liked this narrative device and I think it served the story well, but I think the story would work better as a movie. Especially with the handbags—because honestly I am not a handbag person and had no idea what these bags were supposed to look like haha.
Even though the ending left me unsure how I feel about Ava and Winnie, they both still get nice development and complexity throughout the story and I appreciated that. I would actually say the characters are a little stronger than the plot here.
Anyways, it was an enjoyable listen and I'd definitely recommend the audiobook route for this one!
Thank you to Libro.fm, HarperAudio, and the author for my ALC!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Alcoholism and Racism
Minor: Death of parent, Medical content, and Terminal illness
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