An Overview of ‘Lies and Weddings’
Kevin Kwan’s latest novel, ‘Lies and Weddings,’ follows his signature style of opulent storytelling. Like every Kevin Kwan novel, ‘Lies and Weddings’ is brimming with scheming characters and breathtakingly lavish scenes. The story kicks off in Hong Kong, transitions to a tony estate in the English countryside, and then moves on to a Kona clifftop in Hawai’i—all within the first 22 pages.
Meet the Characters
The captivating tale introduces us to Rufus Gresham, a handsome viscount and the son of the Earl of Greshamsbury. The Gresham family is drowning in debt due to their extravagant lifestyle. Enter Dr. Thomas Tong and his daughter, Dr. Eden Tong. Both are physicians residing in a cottage on the Greshamsbury estate. The bond between Thomas and the Earl dates back to their college days, and Thomas helps his friend connect with a wealthy yet mysterious benefactor.
Plot Twists and Flourishes
Eden and Rufus, childhood best friends, reconnect at Rufus’ sister’s wedding in Hawai’i. Their reunion is charged with unexpected chemistry and sparked with intriguing developments. Similar to his previous works like ‘Crazy Rich Asians,’ Kwan employs a globe-spanning and culture-melding narrative that keeps readers hooked. The novel is filled with scenes of rich and beautiful people behaving—not always ethically—which only adds to the allure and pure entertainment value.
Kwan’s Unique Style
One of the delightful aspects of Kwan’s writing is his inclusion of cheekily hilarious footnotes. These often add an extra layer of enjoyment, offering playful commentary on the high-status settings and character interactions. A rather amusing example is a footnote describing an L.A. hot spot sighting of a British pop star lunching with other high-profile individuals. Kwan’s approach makes ‘Lies and Weddings’ an absorbing, pleasure-filled read.
In summary, Kevin Kwan’s ‘Lies and Weddings’ is a delightful cocktail of luxury, wit, and irresistible storytelling. Readers can expect to be enthralled by the extravagant settings and complex characters that Kwan masterfully brings to life.