If you loved CRAZY RICH ASIANS (and even if you didn’t!), you will adore LIES AND WEDDINGS. Kevin Kwan knows crazy, knows rich and knows Asians, and it’s all on full display in his latest funny plot.

This is the story of a family who has lived well beyond its means, the Greshams, an aristocratic lineage in the fictious town of Greshambury. They display wealth and all its trappings for everyone to see, but underneath the glitz and glamour, and behind the walls of the manor home, lies the truth: They are broke!

Handsome son Rufus --- the heir to, well, not much actually --- is faced with having to save the family’s name and reconstitute their fortune. Retired supermodel mom Arabella has struck on a brilliant scheme: Rufus will find and court a woman of substantial wealth and marry her, thereby upholding their standing and injecting new money into a failing future. After all, his sisters Bea and Augie are doing their part to marry up.

"Kevin Kwan is at his best when he is describing decadence and abundance, and the reader guesses that there is a twinkle of mirth in his eyes as he writes."

Arabella has several candidates in mind, including Solene, the hotel heiress with royal ancestors, and Martha, the venture capitalist who has billions. But enter Eden, Rufus’ best friend and the girl next door. His heart is with her, even if he hasn’t mustered the courage to reveal that. Yet.

The family ventures to Hawaii for Augie’s extravagant wedding. From there, the travels multiply, as do the extravagances. Los Angeles, Marrakech and Venice are backdrops to luxurious lifestyles, family intrigue and a revelation that changes everything. 

Kevin Kwan is at his best when he is describing decadence and abundance, and the reader guesses that there is a twinkle of mirth in his eyes as he writes. For instance, every newly introduced character comes with a parenthetical that describes their lineage and education (Willcocks/Cheltenham/UWC Atlantic/Bard). It’s a humorous bit, repeated to emphasize the snobbery of it all. Invitations to weddings and other events, as well as menus, are given a full-page treatment, as if Kwan is inviting us into the spectacles. And footnotes populate many pages, elaborating on details from above. All of this adds to the lives of the rich and famous that Kwan knows so well.

LIES AND WEDDINGS opens with this quote: “Anyone who lives within their means suffers from a lack of imagination” (Lionel Stander). There is no lack of imagination here. Kwan gives us escapism at its best, replete with high couture, crazy relatives, opulent settings and yummy food. Read the book to find out if Rufus sells his soul (and his deliciously described abs) to save the family, or if he follows his heart.