A review by c3rem0nials
Beauty Queens Of Bishan by Akshita Nanda

lighthearted 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

I liked this book for what it was -- it's the more factually accurate Crazy Rich Asians, and I really liked the Kardashian-esque drama that plagued this entire book. While a fun read, the plot is liable to being a little slow and frankly finishing this was an uphill battle of sorts because of how drawn out certain plot points / drama were. I do wish there were more interest in the intriguing (and obvious) class division between the nail salon owners and their filthy rich clients, as well as the
sudden eating disorder plot point
that was barely given attention..! Any other faults I find with this book include the intense millennial understanding of how using social media is like (can we please... not put hashtags in books unironically anymore!) and I found any characters under 30 were quite honestly unnecessary to the book beyond being a Child of a Struggling Mother (re; August, Nareen and Parveen). Would have also been interesting to see how these estheticians navigate beauty while perpetuating patriarchal views on beauty and actively SELLING that to their customers, but that's more of a personal feeling than an attest to the book. 
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