Kevin Kwan Isn’t Making This Up: Seattle Feature

When Kevin Kwan first introduced us to the extravagant world of “Crazy Rich Asians” in 2013, it was a revelation. His debut novel wasn’t just another story about the Asian diaspora—it was a mainstream success that shattered stereotypes. The subsequent movie adaptation in 2018 was a hit, and now HBO Max is working on a series based on Kwan’s entire trilogy, including “China Rich Girlfriend” and “Rich People Problems.”

Kwan’s latest series, starting with “Sex and Vanity” in 2020 and “Lies and Weddings” in 2024, takes us back into the realm of ultra-wealthy Asians, but this time focusing on those living outside of Asia. “We live in a global culture now,” Kwan notes. He explores the unique experiences and challenges faced by Asians living in the Western world, from biracial to multilingual.

In “Lies and Weddings,” Kwan paints a delightful portrait of Rufus Leung Gresham, heir to the Greshambury earldom and son of a former Hong Kong supermodel. Despite the grand title, Rufus’s family is financially struggling due to past extravagance. His mother’s unconventional solution involves seducing a wealthy woman during his sister’s Hawaiian wedding to secure his family’s financial future. The only wrinkle? Rufus is secretly in love with Eden, a humble doctor who defies societal expectations.

Kwan infuses classic fairy tale elements into his narrative but with a modern twist. The story reads like a Cinderella tale in reverse—where the prince must save his crumbling family fortune by marrying strategically.

Ahead of his recent appearance at Town Hall Seattle, Kwan shared insights into his novels’ exploration of wealth disparity, his role in the broader movement for Asian representation in media, and his favorite destinations for book research. It’s clear that Kwan’s storytelling continues to captivate audiences with its fresh take on familiar themes, rooted in the changing landscape of Asian identity and culture.