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seventhswan's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
I remember enjoying the film version of this story, so to tell the truth I was a little disappointed in the book! A lot of the humour felt dated and a bit sexist, but beyond that, I just couldn't get that invested in the plot. As main characters, I didn't care that much for Nick or Rachel, and was far more interested in Astrid's storyline, as she felt more fully fleshed out as a character. I'd recommend Tiffany Tsao's The Majesties over this book as a story centred around ultra-wealthy Asian societies - I've seen them compared before, and think Tsao's work has a lot more depth, better dialogue, and a more coherently paced main plot.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Classism
Moderate: Racism, Toxic relationship, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Child abuse, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Mental illness and Suicidal thoughts
moriahleigh's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Kidnapping, Suicidal thoughts, Alcohol, Racism, Bullying, Classism, Emotional abuse, and Drug use
avasbookmark's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I never thought I’d say I liked the movie adaptation better than the book itself, but here I am saying exactly that. ☹️
I did enjoy this book for its glamorous exploration of the lives of the Chinese upper-class through the eyes of a newcomer, its vivid descriptions of food and decor, and sense of humor.
What I did not love was that none of the characters had much depth. I had a hard time understanding Rachel and Nick as they are both fairly one-dimensional and their relationship does not seem to be built on a solid foundation of trust. Although this was purposeful at first, I don’t think the relationship developed much and the character development itself was lacking, too.
I think the real meat of the story got lost under dazzling descriptions and the constant introduction of new secondary and tertiary characters.
I did enjoy this book for its glamorous exploration of the lives of the Chinese upper-class through the eyes of a newcomer, its vivid descriptions of food and decor, and sense of humor.
What I did not love was that none of the characters had much depth. I had a hard time understanding Rachel and Nick as they are both fairly one-dimensional and their relationship does not seem to be built on a solid foundation of trust. Although this was purposeful at first, I don’t think the relationship developed much and the character development itself was lacking, too.
I think the real meat of the story got lost under dazzling descriptions and the constant introduction of new secondary and tertiary characters.
Content Warnings
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, and Racism
cozylifewithabby's review against another edition
Not hilarious or heartwarming.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Bullying, Toxic relationship, Sexism, Racial slurs, and Cursing
Moderate: Body shaming, Car accident, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Misogyny, and Racism
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders and Suicidal thoughts
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