Kevin Kwan’s Sex and Vanity offers a vibrant mix of humor and luxury reminiscent of his Crazy Rich Asians series. Positive reviews applaud its lavish settings and engaging plot. However, some critics find it less compelling than his previous works with characters that lack depth. Overall, it’s a delightful yet somewhat predictable romantic escapade.

Readers who enjoy Kevin Kwan's Sex and Vanity are typically fans of contemporary fiction filled with opulence, romance, and cultural clashes. If you liked the extravagance and social satire in Crazy Rich Asians or the charm and wit in Sophia Kinsella's Confessions of a Shopaholic, this book will captivate you.

In Kevin Kwan's Sex and Vanity, 19-year-old Lucie Churchill, a Chinese American biology major at Brown, attends a lavish wedding in Capri, Italy, where she meets the attractive George Zao. Struggling with her attraction to George and the expectations of her elite social world, Lucie navigates romance, reputation, and identity in contemporary high society. The novel discusses racism and classism.

Kevin Kwan

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Novel

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Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore Sex and Vanity 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.

Sex and Vanity Summary and Study Guide

Background

Sex and Vanity Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Capri, 2013”

Prologue-Part 1, Chapter 7

Sex and Vanity Prologue-Part 1, Chapter 7 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 8-15

Sex and Vanity Part 1, Chapters 8-15 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “New York, 2018”

Part 2, Chapters 1-9

Sex and Vanity Part 2, Chapters 1-9 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “New York, 2018” - Part 3: “Capri, May 2019”

Part 2, Chapter 10-Part 3

Sex and Vanity Part 2, Chapter 10-Part 3 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Sex and Vanity Character Analysis

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Themes

Sex and Vanity Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Sex and Vanity Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Sex and Vanity Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Sex and Vanity Essay Topics

Sex and Vanity: A Novel

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Sex and Vanity?

Reading Age

Book Details