A Decadent Delight Amidst Disaster
Love and money make for strange bedfellows, especially when mixed with family drama, secret trysts, and an ill-timed volcanic eruption. In his latest novel “Lies and Weddings,” Kevin Kwan serves up a frothy cocktail of romance and riches with an extra shot of chaos. Set against the stunning backdrop of Hawaii’s Big Island, this laugh-out-loud contemporary romance follows the misadventures of the cash-strapped Gresham family as they attempt to marry off their son to save their crumbling fortune. But as any rom-com fan knows, the course of true love never did run smooth – especially when there’s lava involved.
A Royal Mess in Paradise
At the heart of this uproarious tale is Rufus Leung Gresham, the impossibly handsome future Earl of Greshambury whose chiseled abs could probably stop traffic (and maybe even volcanic flows). Rufus finds himself caught between family duty and matters of the heart as his mother schemes to marry him off to a wealthy heiress. Should he pursue the glamorous French hotel heiress Solène de Courcy? Or perhaps the tattooed billionaire venture capitalist Martha Dung? Or will he follow his heart and confess his love for Eden Tong, the unassuming girl-next-door he’s known since childhood?
As the Gresham family descends on Hawaii to host the society wedding of the decade, complete with a guest list of sultans, oligarchs and assorted one-percenters, chaos ensues in spectacular fashion. A hot mic incident exposes secrets, egos clash, and oh yes—did I mention the volcano that decides to erupt mid-nuptials? It’s a disaster of epic proportions, served up with Kwan’s signature wit and flair for the absurd.
Characters to Fall in Love (and Laugh) With
Kwan populates his novel with an irresistible cast of characters, each more delightfully over-the-top than the last. There’s Arabella Gresham, Rufus’s domineering mother and former supermodel, who micromanages her children’s love lives with the precision of a military strategist. The bride-to-be Augusta provides plenty of laughs with her New Age hippie sensibilities clashing spectacularly with her mother’s aristocratic expectations. And let’s not forget the scene-stealing Luis Felipe Tan, a hard-partying billionaire’s son whose idea of subtle flirting involves offering women millions of dollars to spend the night with him.
But it’s our protagonist Rufus and his true love Eden who truly shine as the emotional core of the story. Their long-simmering romance and genuine connection provides a sweet counterbalance to all the mayhem swirling around them. You’ll find yourself rooting for these two crazy kids to overcome meddling families, volcanic disasters, and their own insecurities to finally get together.
A Jet-Setting Romp
While much of the action takes place in Hawaii, Kwan whisks readers on a whirlwind tour of glamorous locales. From the red city of Marrakech to the sun-drenched streets of Los Angeles to the sprawling English countryside, each setting is brought vividly to life with lush details. Kwan has a knack for capturing both the opulence and the absurdity of the ultra-wealthy lifestyle. You’ll practically be able to taste the caviar and smell the designer perfume wafting off the pages.
Kwan’s Comedic Genius Shines
Fans of Kwan’s previous works like “Crazy Rich Asians” and “Sex and Vanity” will find plenty to love here. His razor-sharp observations about class, culture and family dynamics are on full display. The dialogue crackles with wit, and the situations spiral into such delicious lunacy that you can’t help but laugh out loud.
One particularly hilarious sequence involves a “toad-licking fiesta” at a wake, complete with a mariachi band and baskets full of live Sonoran Desert toads. It’s the kind of scene that could only come from Kwan’s wonderfully warped imagination. He has a gift for pushing scenarios to their most absurd extremes while still keeping things grounded in genuine human emotion.
More Than Just Laughs
While the book is undeniably a comedy, Kwan weaves in thoughtful explorations of more serious themes. The struggles of bicultural identity are touched on through Rufus’s half-British, half-Chinese background. There are poignant moments dealing with grief, as Eden grapples with the loss of her mother. And the stark contrasts between obscene wealth and abject poverty are highlighted during a road trip through the American Southwest.
These deeper currents give the story added richness and depth beyond just the laughs. Kwan never lets things get too heavy though—just when you think things might veer into melodrama, he’ll toss in a perfectly timed joke to keep the mood light and breezy.
A Few Bumps in Paradise
While “Lies and Weddings” is an absolute riot overall, it’s not without a few minor flaws. The large cast of characters can occasionally become unwieldy, with some subplots feeling a bit underdeveloped. And readers looking for a more realistic take on romance may find some of the more outlandish plot twists a bit hard to swallow.
But these are small quibbles in what is otherwise a thoroughly entertaining romp. The book’s breakneck pacing and snappy dialogue keep things moving so quickly that you hardly have time to question the plausibility of it all. Just sit back, suspend your disbelief, and enjoy the wild ride.
The Bottom Line: A Hilarious Hit
With “Lies and Weddings,” Kevin Kwan has delivered another irresistible confection of a novel. It’s the literary equivalent of a tropical vacation—colorful, intoxicating, and leaving you with a warm glow long after you’ve finished. The perfect beach read (though maybe not if you’re vacationing near any active volcanoes).
Kwan’s writing sparkles with humor and heart in equal measure. His astute observations about class, culture, and human nature are wrapped up in a deliciously frothy package. It’s the kind of book that will have you alternately cackling with laughter and swooning over the romance.
If you’re a fan of authors like Sophie Kinsella or Helen Fielding, or if you loved the movie “Crazy Rich Asians,” this book needs to be on your must-read list. It’s a joyous celebration of love in all its messy, complicated glory – with a healthy dose of luxury porn and volcanic destruction thrown in for good measure.
So grab your favorite tropical drink, find a comfy spot to lounge, and dive into the warm waters of “Lies and Weddings.” Just watch out for the lava.
For Fans Of:
- “Crazy Rich Asians” by Kevin Kwan
- “Bridget Jones’s Diary” by Helen Fielding
- “Can You Keep a Secret?” by Sophie Kinsella
- “The Unhoneymooners” by Christina Lauren
- Romantic comedies featuring gorgeous tropical locales and family shenanigans
About the Author
Kevin Kwan is the author of the internationally bestselling Crazy Rich Asians trilogy. The first book in the series, “Crazy Rich Asians,” was adapted into a major motion picture in 2018 and became a global phenomenon. Born in Singapore, Kwan moved to the United States when he was 11 years old. He currently resides in Los Angeles. “Lies and Weddings” is his fifth novel.
Final Thoughts
In a world that often feels heavy and serious, “Lies and Weddings” is a much-needed breath of fresh air (or perhaps a rejuvenating blast of volcanic ash). Kevin Kwan has once again proven himself a master of romantic comedy, crafting a story that will leave you laughing, swooning, and maybe booking a trip to Hawaii (just check the volcanic activity reports first).
With its perfect blend of humor, heart, and jaw-dropping luxury, this book is the ideal escape from reality. So go ahead, indulge in a little literary champagne. “Lies and Weddings” is a toast-worthy celebration of love, family, and the ridiculous situations we find ourselves in when trying to navigate both. Cheers to Kevin Kwan for another hilarious hit!