Friday, August 5, 2016

Review: China Rich Girlfriend

China Rich Girlfriend
by Kevin Kwan
Published May 31st 2016
by Anchor
Goodreads AmazonB & N TBD

It’s the eve of Rachel Chu’s wedding, and she should be over the moon. She has a flawless Asscher-cut diamond, a wedding dress she loves, and a fiancé willing to thwart his meddling relatives and give up one of the biggest fortunes in Asia in order to marry her. Still, Rachel mourns the fact that her birthfather, a man she never knew, won’t be there to walk her down the aisle. Then a chance accident reveals his identity. Suddenly, Rachel is drawn into a dizzying world of Shanghai splendor, a world where people attend church in a penthouse, where exotic cars race down the boulevard, and where people aren’t just crazy rich … they’re China rich. 



This one really hit too close to home and a gentle reminder of the absurd extravagance and atrocious behavior of the fuerdai that is currently common in China. I'm Asian and I have to admit there is certainly a difference between Mainlainders and overseas Chinese. This book illustrated it perfectly with such irresistable humor and wit. I know Westerners might be overwhelmed by the unbelievable antics by the characters but in real life such people does exist in Asia. 

Readers of Kwan's first book might be all too familiar with some of the characters but those who did not will certainly need some time to get familiarised with the style of writing and numerous cast of characters. This second book from Kwan still feature Cinderella - Rachel Chu from the previous book who is about to marry his billionaire boyfriend Nick. But a funny twist of fate sends Rachel spiralling into the wacky opulent world of China most affluent set. These are really some crazy rich Chinese with money to burn who put a koi pond in their private Boeing. Imagine that! I'm curious on how the writer can name drop so many luxurious brand in one sentence without breaking a sweat and gets away by mentioning some familiar real life Asian billionaires albeit with minor change (of course).

The title is especially baffling because there's a whole host of new characters it could refer to; such as Kitty Pong who married into a fortune (the wannabe) and Collette; the amazing but erratic heiress (the OCD fuerdai). And as our dear Rachel found out, there's a price to pay when you get too close to these filthy rich people.

I don't want to spoil the fun but seriously go and read this to find out more about Asia and Asians these days. I know it's shallow and seemed presposterous at some point but it's sinfully addictive and a great fun read.

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