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A review by vanreads
Last Tang Standing by Lauren Ho
5.0
Gosh this book is so funny. Why don't I read chick lit again? Oh right, that's because they're usually about white characters (not that it is a bad thing), and I can't relate. Last Tang Standing is a rom com novel written by an Asian author for an Asian audience. The struggles and family expectations are all too real.
Andrea is our 33 year old protagonist, who has hit all of the Asian parental expectations, except for one thing. She's still single. Single at over 30 in traditional Asian households is a serious misdemeanour. It might be more relaxed for the Asian diaspora living abroad, but this story is set in Singapore. If not her parents, her extended family and friends are also all up in her dating business. She meets a few eligible men, but who will she choose? I won't continue, lest I spoil it.
I absolutely loved this book and finished it in one sitting. It's a traditional rom com narrative, and it doesn't try to be anything else. It can be enjoyed by everyone for an incredibly cute and hilarious read. For Asian readers, particularly those from Singapore and Malaysia, this will be extra special, because all the little details in which this story has been put together scream Asian culture. Like how the Asian aunties are always up in your business. The need to compete for career and financial status. The prejudices between different ethnic backgrounds, religions, and careers. All that to say is that this is a really funny rom com for all, but for the Asian reader, the characters feel like our family members and friends.
Thank you Lauren Ho and Putnam Books for sending me this eGalley!
Andrea is our 33 year old protagonist, who has hit all of the Asian parental expectations, except for one thing. She's still single. Single at over 30 in traditional Asian households is a serious misdemeanour. It might be more relaxed for the Asian diaspora living abroad, but this story is set in Singapore. If not her parents, her extended family and friends are also all up in her dating business. She meets a few eligible men, but who will she choose? I won't continue, lest I spoil it.
I absolutely loved this book and finished it in one sitting. It's a traditional rom com narrative, and it doesn't try to be anything else. It can be enjoyed by everyone for an incredibly cute and hilarious read. For Asian readers, particularly those from Singapore and Malaysia, this will be extra special, because all the little details in which this story has been put together scream Asian culture. Like how the Asian aunties are always up in your business. The need to compete for career and financial status. The prejudices between different ethnic backgrounds, religions, and careers. All that to say is that this is a really funny rom com for all, but for the Asian reader, the characters feel like our family members and friends.
Thank you Lauren Ho and Putnam Books for sending me this eGalley!