The summer of 2023 marks a significant milestone for Kevin Kwan, the author behind the bestselling novel Crazy Rich Asians. It has been ten years since the release of his debut novel, and five years since its highly successful big screen adaptation. However, Kwan has been too preoccupied with his latest project to fully reflect on these achievements. For the past two years, he has been consumed by the writing of his fifth novel, Lies and Weddings, which is set to hit bookshelves on May 21, 2024.
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Kwan discussed his upcoming novel and took a moment to reflect on the impact of Crazy Rich Asians. Lies and Weddings is the continuation of his latest trilogy, and Kwan reveals that the idea for the novel came to him while he was writing his previous book, Sex and Vanity. He wanted to explore Asian characters outside of Asia, and was inspired by the traditional English country manor novels, such as those written by Jane Austen. The story follows a Duke who is married to a Hong Kong supermodel, and their biracial son who must find a wealthy woman to marry in order to save the family. Kwan drew from his own experiences with the world of the English aristocracy, having visited their homes and witnessed the complexities of marrying into such a family. The book’s release comes at a timely moment, as people are questioning the relevance of British aristocracy and recalling the treatment of individuals like Meghan Markle.
When asked about the necessity for his novel to address these timely issues, Kwan acknowledges that his books have always been infused with themes of identity and cultural issues. He sees his work as a funny family comedy that also serves as a satire, allowing readers to both laugh at and question the behavior of the characters. Kwan believes that these conversations are necessary and hopes that his book can contribute to the dialogue.
Reflecting on the success of Crazy Rich Asians, Kwan reveals that he does not feel pressured to match its success. He recognizes that it was a unique phenomenon and is grateful for its impact. As someone who worked in the publishing business for 15 years prior to becoming a novelist, Kwan understands that success in the industry is unpredictable. He sees Crazy Rich Asians as a gift that allows him creative license rather than a burden to constantly exceed its achievements.
Related Post
Kwan recalls the decision he had to make regarding the film adaptation of Crazy Rich Asians. At the time, he had to choose between selling the rights to Netflix, which offered a big payday, or Warner Bros., which could provide a more traditional theatrical release. Looking back, Kwan sees the decision as purely emotional. He wanted the film to have a theatrical release so that it could become a cultural moment where families could go to the theater together. The film’s success and impact confirmed his decision.
When asked about a pivotal moment that made him realize the success of Crazy Rich Asians, Kwan becomes emotional. He remembers going to a theater in New York during the film’s opening weekend and witnessing the enthusiasm and excitement of the audience during a mid-credits scene. The roar of the crowd made him realize that the movie was not just a film adaptation of his book, but a cultural phenomenon that had touched people across different demographics.
Kwan emphasizes that the success of Crazy Rich Asians was not solely reliant on attracting Asian audiences. He recognizes that his readership is diverse, and despite being Asian American himself, the majority of his readers are white. He believes that the movie industry often underestimates the diversity of the moviegoing audience and the potential for crossover success.
As he looks forward to the release of Lies and Weddings, Kwan remains grateful for the success of Crazy Rich Asians and the opportunities it has brought him. He hopes that his latest novel will continue to entertain and spark conversations, just as his previous works have done. With his unique and insightful storytelling, Kwan has cemented himself as a celebrated author in both the literary and film worlds.
