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A review by sarahholliday
Sex and Vanity by Kevin Kwan
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I'm a big Kevin Kwan fan, and though Sex and Vanity lacked the nuanced commentary that made Crazy Rich Asians such a fantastic read, I still enjoyed this over-the-top, escapist novel.
I think it's helpful to keep in mind that Kwan wrote S&V as an homage to A Room with a View. This story reads as a comedy of manners, more concerned with what people do than why. If you're looking for introspection and satisfying character development you might be disappointed.
I agree with other reviewers that, though Kwan does an excellent job cataloguing the myriad ways in which Asian Americans experience racism & microaggressions, there's never any consistent effort to further interrogate those experiences. I think this story lacked an outsider's perspective (like the one Rachel offered in CRA), which meant many of the moments meant as satire instead came off as caricatures.
All of that being said, Kevin Kwan is an "automatic read" author for me. Even at his "worst," his writing is still witty, unique, and the kind of indulgent treat that makes for great summer reading.
I think it's helpful to keep in mind that Kwan wrote S&V as an homage to A Room with a View. This story reads as a comedy of manners, more concerned with what people do than why. If you're looking for introspection and satisfying character development you might be disappointed.
I agree with other reviewers that, though Kwan does an excellent job cataloguing the myriad ways in which Asian Americans experience racism & microaggressions, there's never any consistent effort to further interrogate those experiences. I think this story lacked an outsider's perspective (like the one Rachel offered in CRA), which meant many of the moments meant as satire instead came off as caricatures.
All of that being said, Kevin Kwan is an "automatic read" author for me. Even at his "worst," his writing is still witty, unique, and the kind of indulgent treat that makes for great summer reading.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Sexual content and Death of parent