Minnie's Fiction Addiction

When Rachel Chu agrees to spend the summer in Singapore with her boyfriend, Nicholas Young, she expects a humble family visit. What she doesn’t know is that Nick is the heir to one of Asia’s richest and most secretive dynasties — and that she’s about to be thrust into a glittering world of private jets, couture wardrobes, and high-stakes gossip. As Rachel tries to navigate the whirlwind of old money, family expectations, and jealous rivals, she discovers that love doesn’t always come without a price tag.

👀 First Impressions:
I picked this up expecting a light, glossy romcom — and while it is wildly entertaining and full of outrageous wealth, it’s also sharper and more layered than I anticipated. From the first few chapters, I was swept up in the opulence, drama, and deliciously over-the-top characters. It’s like Gossip Girl meets Pride and Prejudice, set in a world most of us can only dream (or gawk) at.

✅ What I Liked:
The satire is pitch-perfect. Kevin Kwan doesn’t just show us the world of the ultra-wealthy — he skewers it with wit and precision. The descriptions are vivid and hilarious, and the footnotes sprinkled throughout add a fun, snarky commentary on Asian culture, fashion, and food. Rachel is a relatable anchor amid the chaos, and I loved how her quiet strength contrasted with the high-drama antics around her.

The supporting cast is also a highlight — especially Astrid, who adds elegance and emotional depth to the story. Her subplot could be a novel in itself. And then there’s Eleanor, Nick’s mother — a formidable figure who could give Lady Catherine de Bourgh a run for her money.

❎ What Didn’t Work for Me:
The sheer number of characters and family branches can be overwhelming at first. A family tree at the beginning would have been helpful (and thankfully, it’s included in later editions). At times, the sheer extravagance does threaten to overshadow the emotional core — but then Kwan pulls it back with just the right touch of heart or humor.

💭 Overall Thoughts:
Crazy Rich Asians is a fabulously fun, fast-paced novel that blends soap opera drama with biting social commentary. It’s smart, stylish, and surprisingly insightful about love, class, and identity. Whether you’re in it for the fashion, the romance, or the family feuds, there’s something here to enjoy. I’ll definitely be continuing the series.

🛍️ Where to buy:
To buy your own copy of Crazy Rich Asians visit HERE

Final Rating ★★★★☆ – Crazy Rich Asians earns 4 stars for its dazzling extravagance, sharp social satire, and addictive drama, though some characters feel more style than substance.