Rich People Problems

Following Crazy Rich Asians and China Rich Girlfriend, Kevin Kwan‘s hilarious trilogy comes to an end with Rich People Problems. As someone who’s never been remotely rich, this title is the funniest of the three. Yet surprisingly, Rich People Problems ended up being the most serious of the three books… and it actually benefitted from its changes in pace and mood. (But don’t worry, it’s still snarky, funny, and over-the-top!)

In this final book of the trilogy, Nick’s grandmother, Su Yi, is on her death bed following a heart attack. Naturally, the whole family comes together to be with her in her home at Tyersall Park in Singapore. Sure, they want her to get better, but the prognosis isn’t good. And let’s be honest: They all want to be in her good graces before her will is finalized and she inevitably passes away. It sounds morbid, but rich people want to inherit from the wealthiest of matriarchs and get even richer.

Their greed and desperation translate into a devious and funny drama full of schemes and lies. What can they each do to tear the others down, thus diminishing their inheritances? Conversely, what can they each do to prove they’re the best child or grandchild and deserve the most money or, better yet, Tyersall Park?

Of course, not all of them are so single-minded and shallow. Some of them want to make amends with Su Yi before it’s too late. But there are plenty of familial rifts to keep them all arguing while Su Yi sleeps for most of their stay.

What’s interesting here is that we also get unprecedented looks into Su Yi’s past, when she was young and living in India. It’s a fascinating backstory that truly amplifies the novel and gives her character much more depth and care.

Additional events and dramas abound throughout the novel, creating ripple effects that reach far and wide. The latter half of the book also comes with some surprises and a bit of justice. I couldn’t have asked for a better ending.

Rich People Problems carries the Crazy Rich Asians trilogy‘s signature styles of satire, gossip, sarcasm, wit, and riches, but it also forges new territory within the series. It’s a beautiful and satisfying end to the trilogy, and I look forward to whatever Kevin Kwan writes next.

Don’t forget: Crazy Rich Asians has been made into a movie! It stars Constance Wu as Rachel, Henry Golding as Nick, and Michelle Yeoh as Eleanor, and features other big names like Awkwafina, Ken Jeong, and Gemma Chan. It comes out in August and I cannot wait! Be sure to read the book (or whole trilogy) before you watch the movie 😉