Kevin Kwan! One of my favorite authors has done it again. In trying to explain his writing to a friend, I found myself zeroing in on how SMART his work is. Hysterical, absolutely. A sweet dose of heart? For sure. Sparkly lavish settings, a window into a world so unlike my own and well-developed characters? Check, check, and check. But I think what gets me every book is his supreme wit (those footnotes!!) and the incredible detail he lends to every scene. While Kwan may have a natural genius for knowing the history and current offerings of every luxury designer, I think it more likely he invests wholly in research, which is impressive. Adoration of Kwan established, thank you for joining Carrie and me for this Lies and Weddings Book Club Discussion!
Lies and Weddings Book Club Discussion Questions
- The settings of Kwan’s books are elitely exquisite, Lies and Weddings included. How much does being transported to such incredible locations factor into your experience of the book?
- Similarly, when I read Kwan’s books, I find myself in jaw-dropped awe of the characters’ lifestyles. Do you enjoy reading about how an infinitesimal percentage of the world lives? Can you relate to characters despite the disparity in your life experience?
- It was fascinating to read about the volcanic eruption! Have you ever had a personal experience with a volcano/lava? Talk about the symbolism of the volcanic eruption in the story.
- What was the significance of Augusta’s marriage with Prince Julius zu Liechtenburg? How might it have played out if either family had not been in financial ruin?
- Along these lines, did you feel sympathy towards Lord Greshamsbury (Francis) in his desperate situation? Why or why not? What do you foresee the financial and spending future of this family being?
- The Greshamburys (specifically Lady Greshamsbury) long discounted Eden due to her social and economic status. Eden largely seemed to accept her status in relation to them. How did you feel about it? As the events in the book unfolded, do you see this being a factor in them being able to move forward?
- At what point did you sort the relationship between Henry Tong and Roger Gao? What were your theories along the way?
- Eden and Rufus! Were you rooting for them from the beginning? How did your prediction for them change as the story progressed? Discuss the future you envision for each of them.
- This is the second book in Kwan’s “Cities Triology”, the first being Sex and Vanity. Did you see any carryover/connection from the first novel to the second? What do you think might further explored in the third?
- ****SPOILER ALERT****If you received Eden Tong’s inheritance, what would you do with it??
Friends, this was such a cool book. I savored it, enjoyed it and fell for Kwan’s writing all over again. Thank you for joining us for this Lies and Weddings book club!
As always, we are giving away a copy of our next pick for FREE! Comment on this blog post or the Instagram post for a chance to win a copy of What Have You Done? by Shari Lapena, another one of our favorite authors! As long as you are 18 or older, a resident of the Continental United States and comment before 6/21/24 at 7am EST, you are eligible to win!
What Have You Done? by Shari Lapena
The new unputdownable novel from the “queen of the one-sit read,” and New York Times bestselling author of The Couple Next Door
Nothing ever happens in sleepy little Fairhill, Vermont. But this morning that will change. And one innocent question could be deadly. What have you done?
The teenagers get their kicks telling ghost stories in the old graveyard. The parents trust their kids will arrive home safe from school. Everyone knows everyone. Curtains rarely twitch. Front doors are left unlocked.
But Diana Brewer isn’t lying safely in her bed where she belongs. Instead she lies in a hayfield, circled by vultures, discovered by a local farmer.
How quickly a girl becomes a ghost. How quickly a town of friendly, familiar faces becomes a town of suspects, a place of fear and paranoia.
Someone in Fairhill did this. Everyone wants answers.
Sounds captivating? I know! Comment for a chance to get a free copy sent your way, and happy summer reading friends! Thanks for joining our Lies and Weddings book club!
Thank you to DoubleDay for providing copies of Lies and Weddings for review! All opinions remain 100% our own!
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Meredith says
Sounds like the book was a lot of fun!
I got one of Shari Lapena’s books for Christmas, Everyone Here is Lying, and I really enjoyed it. It would be fantastic to read another!
Meredith says
The Couple Next Door was my absolute favorite, but the pages fly on all of her books! Can’t wait to check out this newest one!