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| this is the more commonly seen book cover |
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| then I chanced upon this charming alternative cover, I might've rated the book 1/2 star higher, just for the cover design |
★★★☆ (3.5/5)
Crazy Rich Asians (by Keven Kwan) is a beach book, so I'm rating it as one. The subject itself is a fascination to many, how many of us wouldn't want to peek into the lives of the rich and the mighty, especially those from Asia (or more precisely, of or can be traced to Chinese pedigree), since there is, yes I'll bet on it, guaranteed to be twice as much folly and vanity involved. Overall, I think Kwan does a very good job of presenting a panoramic diorama, or should one say, pantheon that sits atop the Asian landscape. As one reads, one feels that the author has met these ghastly characters and seen their obscene wealth up close and personal. I bought almost every little detail described by Kwan of these people's way of life -- and by the way, descriptive writing is definitely one of Kwan's strengths -- except, maybe for that little bit with the Ru wares, or the completely nonchalant and taken-for-granted manners with which they treated these priceless and irreplaceable Song-era pots. It felt just a tad bit over-the-top to me, amongst all the phantasmagoria of private this and that, exclusive this and couture that. But then again, Kwan doesn't exactly convey the impression that these snobs are very cultured, despite top-notch boarding schools and salient British accents.
I almost gave Crazy four stars if it weren't for one or two loose-ends, and the way-too-boilerplate lines exchanged between some of the main characters, Rachel, Nick, and Colin, in particular. More than once I felt that these characters are in fact animated props acting out scenes for an audience. It just felt too staged, and too many times have some of these lines and quips been heard. I remember asking myself, "really? do couples in love really talk like that?"
As for the ending, my first reaction was, it is immensely unsatisfying, but then I realized, it really is the only safe way out, if we want to see the story ending on a positive note. Despite the claim that Crazy is a comedy, and it SURE IS, no doubt there, there's an underlying frustration and a bleak reality looming ahead. And despite having all the appearance of a Cinderella-meets-Prince-Charming fairy tale, where the ingenue Rachel Chu wanders into the dazzling crystal palace-on-crack of her prince Nick Young, this story sits on too much dismal reality to churn out the other crystal slipper at the end. So, better end it with a "bright prospect", because prospect is all that one could hope for out of this story (By the way, I thought that determined blue jay bird hitting against the glass pane thing was an instant-see-through as well). No, I don't believe Nick has what it takes to stand against family, tradition, and deep-seated prejudices. No, I don't believe Nick would or could risk losing all the comfort and wealth he's become so accustomed to. Because No, I don't ultimately believe in the authenticity of the character Nicholas Young. He is our wishful thinking.
Hmm, now I risk ending my rambling on a depressing note! But that's what happens when fairy tales have lost their appeals. Just a couple of other things, I actually felt sorry for the characters Astrid and Michael. Their's is a classic case of youthful foolishness meeting harsh reality -- EXCEPT, their fateful ending may be turned around by the author's generously inserted deus ex machina!!! Of course it is completely insane, but who gives! You know, this is one of the perks of writing -- just pick your favorite god or goddess incarnation and start turning the wheel-of-fate.
So much that glows, so little that matters. If I have to choose on one enduring impression from this book, the word "smallish" would suffice.
浮華若朝露
