Crazy Rich Asians

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. The title Crazy Rich Asians immediately sets expectations for readers. What surprised you most about how wealth was portrayed in the novel? Did the representation of extreme wealth feel authentic or purposely exaggerated for satirical effect?

2. At what point in the story did you realize the full extent of the Young family’s wealth and social status? Did this revelation change your understanding of Nick’s character and his relationship with Rachel?

3. Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice explores themes of wealth, social status, and family expectations, much like Crazy Rich Asians. What similarities do you see between Elizabeth Bennet’s journey and Rachel Chu’s experiences in Singapore’s high society? How does Kwan’s modern approach to these themes differ from Austen’s?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Rachel experiences being an outsider both as a Chinese American in Singapore and as someone from a middle-class background thrust into a world of extreme wealth. When have you felt like an outsider in a place where you expected to feel some connection?

2. Family approval shapes many characters’ decisions throughout the novel. Which character’s relationship with their family resonated most with you? Why did this particular family dynamic stand out?

3. Nick’s decision to keep his family background secret from Rachel was motivated by his desire to protect their relationship. Have you ever withheld important information from someone close to you with good intentions? What was the outcome?

4. Peik Lin provides crucial support to Rachel, helping her navigate Singapore’s complex social landscape. Who has played a similar role in your life during a challenging transition?

5. Throughout the novel, characters are judged based on their family backgrounds and wealth rather than personal character. Has there been a time when you felt unfairly judged based on aspects of your identity or background rather than who you are as an individual?

6. Kerry’s choice to keep Rachel’s true parentage secret was motivated by maternal protection. What’s your perspective on family secrets kept with protective intentions? At what point do such secrets become more harmful than helpful?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. The novel portrays Singapore as a blend of Western colonial influence, traditional Chinese values, and modern wealth. What does Crazy Rich Asians reveal about how colonialism continues to shape cultural identity in contemporary Southeast Asia?

2. Characters in the novel make clear distinctions between “old money” families like the Youngs and “new money” families like the Gohs. What statement is Kwan making about the relationship between wealth, social mobility, and class barriers in modern Asian society?

3. The women in Crazy Rich Asians wield significant social power through gossip networks, family connections, and social enforcement. In what ways does the novel challenge or reinforce conventional ideas about gender roles in contemporary Asian culture?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. What purpose does the prologue scene at the London hotel serve in establishing the Young family’s relationship with Western society? How does this initial encounter with discrimination inform the themes that develop throughout the novel?

2. The rare Tan Hua flowers at Shang Su Yi’s party bloom only once at night and for a brief period. In what ways does this symbol reflect Rachel’s experience in Singapore?

3. Kwan shifts between various characters’ perspectives throughout the novel. What does this narrative technique reveal about the motivations driving Singapore’s social elite that a single perspective couldn’t capture?

4. Astrid discovers that her husband Michael has fabricated an affair to end their marriage because he feels diminished by her wealth and status. How does this compare to Nick and Rachel’s romance?

5. The novel has been described as a modern fairy tale. What elements of traditional fairy tales does Kwan incorporate? How does he subvert these conventions to comment on contemporary society?

6. Food appears frequently throughout the novel, from hawker stalls to elaborate wedding banquets. What role does food play in establishing cultural authenticity, social hierarchies, and character relationships?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. The extravagant wedding of Colin and Araminta is the centerpiece event of the novel. Design your own over-the-top Singapore wedding that would impress even the Youngs and Leongs.

2. Imagine that Rachel writes a letter to her economics students back at NYU about wealth distribution and class structure in Singapore after her experiences at the wedding. What insights might she share about how theory compares to the reality she witnessed?

3. The novel ends with Rachel and Nick reconciling, but their future with his family remains uncertain. Create a conversation between Rachel and Eleanor five years later that shows how their relationship has evolved.

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