Kirstin Chen's Counterfeit has been praised for its sharp and witty prose, engaging plot, and complex characters. Reviewers admire the novel's insightful look into the counterfeit handbag industry and its strong social commentary. However, some critiques mention the pacing as uneven, and a few felt the ending was somewhat predictable. Overall, it's a compelling read with a unique premise.

Readers who enjoy gripping novels with strong female protagonists and themes of crime and deception akin to The Flight Attendant by Chris Bohjalian or The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins will relish Counterfeit by Kirstin Chen. This book appeals to those who appreciate intricate plots and explorations of identity and ambition.

Counterfeit by Kirstin Chen follows Ava Wong, a California lawyer turned at-home mom, who recounts to a police detective how her former college roommate, Winnie Fang, lured her into a scheme selling fake designer bags. The narrative shifts to Winnie, who escapes to China to avoid authorities, revealing Ava’s deeper involvement. Ava ultimately turns herself in, leading to a light sentence and the duo’s subsequent plan to exploit lab-grown diamonds.

Suspenseful / Mysterious / Gritty / Dark / Challenging

- Kirstin Chen's Counterfeit was selected as one of Reese Witherspoon's Book Club picks for June 2022, which often helps spotlight authors and increase book sales.
- The cover design of Counterfeit was created by illustrator and designer Jaya Miceli, known for her work on book covers for The Night Circus and The Vanishing Half.
- Counterfeit was inspired by Kristin Chen's fascination with stories about counterfeit luxury goods and their unexpected connections to issues of consumerism and global manufacturing.

Kirstin Chen

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Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore Counterfeit and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Counterfeit Summary and Study Guide

Background

Counterfeit Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, Chapters 1-4

Counterfeit Part 1, Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 5-8

Counterfeit Part 1, Chapters 5-8 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 9-11

Counterfeit Part 1, Chapters 9-11 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 12-14

Counterfeit Part 2, Chapters 12-14 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapter 15-Epilogue

Counterfeit Part 2, Chapter 15-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Counterfeit Character Analysis

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Themes

Counterfeit Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Counterfeit Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

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Counterfeit

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Counterfeit?

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Book Details