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A Novel
by Kevin Kwan
From the iconic internationally bestselling author of the Crazy Rich Asians trilogy: A forbidden affair erupts volcanically amid a decadent Hawaiian wedding in this outrageous comedy of manners.
Rufus Leung Gresham, future Earl of Greshambury and son of a former Hong Kong supermodel has a problem: the legendary Gresham Trust has been depleted by decades of profligate spending, and behind all the magazine covers and Instagram stories manors and yachts lies nothing more than a gargantuan mountain of debt. The only solution, put forth by Rufus's scheming mother, is for Rufus to attend his sister's wedding at a luxury eco-resort, a veritable who's-who of sultans, barons, and oligarchs, and seduce a woman with money.
Should he marry Solène de Courcy, a French hotel heiress with honey blond tresses and a royal bloodline? Should he pursue Martha Dung, the tattooed venture capital genius who passes out billions like lollipops? Or should he follow his heart, betray his family, squander his legacy, and finally confess his love to the literal girl next door, the humble daughter of a doctor, Eden Tong? When a volcanic eruption burns through the nuptials and a hot mic exposes a secret tryst, the Gresham family plans—and their reputation—go up in flames.
Can the once-great dukedom rise from the ashes? Or will a secret tragedy, hidden for two decades, reveal a shocking twist?
In a globetrotting tale that takes us from the black sand beaches of Hawaii to the skies of Marrakech, from the glitzy bachelor pads of Los Angeles to the inner sanctums of England's oldest family estates, Kevin Kwan unfurls a juicy, hilarious, sophisticated and thrillingly plotted story of love, money, murder, sex, and the lies we tell about them all.
Which of the various wedding locales and venues appealed to you the most? If you could have an unlimited budget for your wedding, what features would you choose? As a guest, what was the best wedding you ever attended, and what made it so enjoyable?
I am not a fan of extravagant weddings. Too much emphasis is focused on the wedding and not the marriage. Those large weddings with formal sit down dinners are boring. Actually, the only wedding I truly enjoyed was my second wedding - an intimate gathering of family and a few select friends in It...
-Vivian_H
Throughout the novel the characters enjoy their wealth by going to exclusive restaurants, jetting around the world, and dressing in designer clothes, among other things. What was the one thing that you envied about the lifestyle? And why?
I would love to have a chauffeur to drive me everywhere, the ability to travel first class and stay at exclusive resorts and dine at the finest restaurants.
-Vivian_H
As you read the dramatic opening scene, what were your theories about the backstory behind the fatal showdown between Henry Tong and Roger Gao? How did the opulence and the outrageousness set the tone for the rest of the novel?
I loved the opening scene. Having lived in Hong Kong, this extravagance does not surprise me at all. I did not for, any theories about the background at that time. I just went with the flow. I actually know someone whose family was the basis for one of Kwan's other books. No doubt, this story had...
-Vivian_H
If you were Eden, would you have accepted Luis Felipe's invitation if it meant a mega payoff for you, your loved ones, or a charity?
There is no way I would have accepted his offer… I cant imagine spending time with someone like that who is so spoiled and self indulgent, and I wouldn't have any self respect if I had sold out to someone like Luis.
-Becky_S
How are Eden and Rufus transformed by their southwestern road trip? Does it measure up to the glamorous jet-setting they did previously?
It was a way for them to be together on equal terms without worrying about the drama of Rufus crazy mother. They saw so much more together when they weren't dealing with the money and lavish surroundings that they spent so much time in. A simple life helped them to see the creativity around them ...
-Becky_S
In what ways do you find the book relevant to today's atmosphere?
There were many points that I found relevant to the frightening atmosphere of prejudices both politically and socially. I am a HUGE fan of Kwan's works but this one hit me as more relevant on some points than some of his other work.
-Susan_B
How does Lies and Weddings amplify the decadence in Kevin Kwan's other novels? To what audience would you recommend the book? Is there another book or author you feel addresses parallel themes or has a similar style?
Loved this book and thought it ran in the same vein as Crazy Rich Asians, but the characters were even crazier and richer! I agree this would make an intriguing movie for the big screen! I would recommend it to anyone who needs a light summer book that enjoys the drama of high finance and romance.
-Becky_S
Overall, what did you think of Lies and Weddings? (no spoilers, please!)
I enjoyed reading Lies and Weddings…it was definitely light but had enough depth and twists to keep things interesting.
-Becky_S
Do men have more power than women within the families and societies of Lies and Weddings? Or is gender irrelevant, with power being derived through other factors?
I think it may appear that the men have more power, but behind the scenes, many times it is the women who are really running the show…Lady Annabella for instance.
-Becky_S
Despite the appearance of wealth, Lord Greshamsbury (Francis) and Prince Julius zu Liechtenburg are both facing financial ruin. What protections do their respective nobility and royalty bestow? Are their titles more of a burden than a benefit?
tale as old as time…sometimes what we see is not what is really happening. So many times people "appear" to have wealth that are secretly, or not so secretly, really struggling with finances. And with nobility, it brings an extra burden because so many are in the limelight and expected to live a ...
-Becky_S
The destruction at Bellaloha shows natural forces overruling carefully laid human plans. Similarly, Rene receives excellent medical treatment but is at the mercy of his illness. What other examples did you see of problems that money can't solve?
As seen throughout the book, money couldn't really fix any of Lady Arabella's deeply rooted problems with race, identity, social acceptance, and her relationship with her husband and children. None of her kids seemed to be saved from their own problems by money.
-Jael_R
Do you think Luis Felipe could have been saved? Was there anything that could have been done after the time we meet him in the book that might have improved his chances or was he a lost cause by that point?
I think he could have been saved if he had wanted to be saved; addicts overcome their addictions every day. However, Luis used his addictions to punish his father and to escape his self-hatred. He was not willing to give up those payoffs.
-Elizabeth_P1
Everything Lady Arabella does is a calculated move. What motivates her? Why is she unable to have a loving parent-child relationship? What causes Luis Felipe's destructive bent? What does the novel say about creating loving bonds within a family?
On the surface Lady Arabella seems to be motivated by power, money and prestige. At her core, I believe she is motivated by self-loathing due to her Chinese heritage. She has internalized the British prejudice against her own people and will always see herself as "less than," no matter how wealth...
-Elizabeth_P1
Rosina tells Rufus she thought he’d have realized that he has “never been in a position to marry for love.” (p. 211). How much do you think being wealthy, famous or royal dictates who you can have a relationship with or who you can wed?
I think factors like wealth, fame and status bring with them both direct and indirect expectations and opportunities. Alliances through marriage are still formed among royals, business associates and families that send their children to the "right" schools. Sometimes the alliances are quite delib...
-Elizabeth_P1
Regarding the lies in the novel's storylines, which revelations surprised you the most? What is at the heart of these lies? Who or what is being served by such carefully guarded falsehoods? Would it have been less painful to just live with the truth?
Yes, I agree! Finding out that Henry Tong was Eden's father and Rene Tan was actually Roger were the biggest surprises for me. I did have to reread that beginning section about Henry's death a few times as I progressed through the book, trying to figure out connections.
-Kathy_Downey
Despite the great expense and opulence of their wedding, Maxxie and Augie could not prevent the volcanic eruption. But could they have prevented the circumstances that immediately put their marriage on the rocks?
I don't think they could have prevented the destruction of their marriage. They weren't in love with each other. They were in love with money and hoped the other could keep them in the money they needed.
-Terrie_J
Kevin Kwan uses footnotes to provide us with insider details. What were the most fascinating tidbits you discovered? How would you answer the question he asks at the bottom of page 70: "Where do you rank and what sort of feelings does this bring up?"
The footnotes are an added bonus. They are a combination of interesting and snarky information. I often find myself skipping footnotes, but Kevin Kwan's kept me entertained.
-Terrie_J
How does Eden navigate the world of prejudice and elitism? In what circumstances do Augie, Bea, and Rufus suffer less because they are biracial?
I felt Eden just bent to the wishes of that family and outside of the family lived her life. She was a beautiful, attractive doctor and it didn't seem like outside of that family or their environs she dealt with much prejudice..unless she was going to those elite places where it took her a minute...
-Helen_B
The book's 1995 sections are set before the return of Chinese authority. What do you predict for the future of British prestige? Is Martha Dung the new face of status and power in our real world? How will the next generation of global wealth evolve?
I think Kwan was hoping, maybe, that more would re-think the idea of generational wealth at least on the British/American view of it and that newly wealthy Asians like, Martha, spend their money and time mentoring and fostering new business ideas and young people who start them.
-Helen_B
Rufus is caught between his mother's expectations and his true self. How does he balance being dutiful with finding fulfillment? Ultimately, what do you think the basis is for his authentic identity: Ancestry? Affluence? Ability?
At times I found myself a bit frustrated with Rufus in his relationship with his mother, but then I realized he was raised by this woman and loved her. For the most part he was trying to be the respectful, dutiful son, yet longed to be the free artist. It's sad in a way the only reason he will be...
-Helen_B
Eden shares common ground with Freddy, whose Iranian mother died when he was younger. How are Eden and Freddy shaped by the loss of a parent and by their global upbringing? What similar disappointments do they experience in the quest for true love?
Eden and Freddy who both lost their moms at a young age, each have a special resillence; an inner strength. Also they use humor to help get them through a lot of tough situations or places where they feel uncomfortable.
-Helen_B
What are you reading this week? (5/8/2025)
Finishing https://www.bookbrowse.com/bb_briefs/detail/index.cfm/ezine_preview_number/8576/crazy-rich-asians Lies and Weddings by Kevin Kwan, author of https://www.bookbrowse.com/bb_briefs/detail/index.cfm/ezine_preview_number/8576/crazy-rich-asians Crazy Rich Asians , then it's off to a n...
-kim.kovacs
What are you reading this week? (5/1/2025)
I'm just this minute starting https://www.bookbrowse.com/bb_briefs/detail/index.cfm/ezine_preview_number/18643/lies-and-weddings Lies and Weddings by Kevin Kwan. And then I'm going to launch straight into https://www.bookbrowse.com/reviews/index.cfm/book_number/4796/james James without reviewing Huck Finn. I...
-Ann_Beman
Lies and Weddings by Kevin Kwan
Join BookBrowse for a book club discussion of Lies and Weddings by Kevin Kwan
-system
"In [Lies and Weddings], Kwan continues to wrap fairy-tale love stories in glitz, glamour, couture, fine art, and delicious wit….Still more brilliant escapism among Kwan's 1 percenters. Too much is never enough." —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"Kwan returns with another irresistible comedy of manners….[Lies and Weddings] allow[s] Kwan to indulge in his flair for vivid party scenes [and he] delivers on his reputation for breezy prose, encyclopedic references to art and haute couture, and quick-witted dialogue laced with Cantonese. The author's fans will devour this." —Publishers Weekly
"More globe-trotting high jinks among the wealthy from the author of Crazy Rich Asians." —Washington Post
"This novel is vintage Kwan and this time we take a hilarious dive into the Anglo-Asian billionaire scene which is populated with fierce Chinese moms, power-mad aunties, penniless English Lords, fabulous weddings, stately homes and too many secrets to mention. Imagine Crazy Rich Asians mated with Saltburn and you've got Lies and Weddings—a heavenly summertime read!" —Plum Sykes, New York Times best-selling author of Bergdorf Blondes
"A hilarious, richly detailed family affair that takes place around the world, from Hawaii to Venice to Los Angeles to the English countryside." —Megan McCluskey and Olivia B. Waxman, TIME
"The author of international sensation Crazy Rich Asians has returned with a new story you won't be able to put down....A sprawling, globe-trotting adventure, filled with deceit, murder, love and humor." —SheReads
This information about Lies and Weddings was first featured
in "The BookBrowse Review" - BookBrowse's membership magazine, and in our weekly "Publishing This Week" newsletter. Publication information is for the USA, and (unless stated otherwise) represents the first print edition. The reviews are necessarily limited to those that were available to us ahead of publication. If you are the publisher or author and feel that they do not properly reflect the range of media opinion now available, send us a message with the mainstream reviews that you would like to see added.
Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.
Kevin Kwan is the author of Crazy Rich Asians, the international bestselling novel that has been translated into 40 languages. Its sequel, China Rich Girlfriend, was released in 2015, and Rich People Problems, the final book in the trilogy, followed in 2017. For several weeks in 2018, the Crazy Rich Asians trilogy commanded the top three positions of the New York Times bestseller list - an almost unprecedented single-author trifecta, and the film adaptation of Crazy Rich Asians became Hollywood's highest-grossing romantic comedy in over a decade. Sex and Vanity, his most recent novel, hit the New York Times bestseller list in its first week of release and is being adapted into a feature film by Sony Pictures. Kevin has been named by Time Magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World.
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