45 pages 1 hour read

Kevin Kwan

Sex and Vanity: A Novel

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2020

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In Kevin Kwan's Sex and Vanity, 19-year-old Lucie Churchill, a Chinese American biology major at Brown, attends a lavish wedding in Capri, Italy, where she meets the attractive George Zao. Struggling with her attraction to George and the expectations of her elite social world, Lucie navigates romance, reputation, and identity in contemporary high society. The novel discusses racism and classism.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Kevin Kwan’s Sex and Vanity offers a vibrant mix of humor and luxury reminiscent of his Crazy Rich Asians series. Positive reviews applaud its lavish settings and engaging plot. However, some critics find it less compelling than his previous works with characters that lack depth. Overall, it’s a delightful yet somewhat predictable romantic escapade.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Sex and Vanity?

Readers who enjoy Kevin Kwan's Sex and Vanity are typically fans of contemporary fiction filled with opulence, romance, and cultural clashes. If you liked the extravagance and social satire in Crazy Rich Asians or the charm and wit in Sophia Kinsella's Confessions of a Shopaholic, this book will captivate you.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Romance

Humor

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Love

Identity: Race

Society: Class

Topics

Race / Racism