We all have problems, but your super red arowana aquarium fish being too drowsy to entertain your house guests because it just returned from getting a facelift or being locked out of inheriting a 64 acre palatial estate in the heart of Singapore would surely only qualify as "rich people problems".
The latter is what the plot line revolves around in Kevin Kwan's last book in his internationally best-selling trilogy, which was just released on Tuesday. The prequels Crazy Rich Asians (2013) and China Rich Girlfriend (2015) hilariously followed the lives of obscenely wealthy Chinese Asians from Singapore, Hong Kong and China and in Rich People Problems, the highly-anticipated showdown begins when his main character's grandmother, Su Yi Young, is on her deathbed.
While Nick Young just wants to make amends with his grandmother after falling out for marrying a girl outside of their wealthy bubble, his cousins from all around the world have also touched down in the Lion City to lay claims on Su Yi's grand home. Practically a character in itself, Tyersall Park is the heart and gold of the third book, with Kwan keeping you in luxury-laden apprehension on who will inherit it.
Impossibly vast, guarded by war-trained Gurkhas and home to chefs that cook bird's nest delicacies so rare most of us will never taste it in our lifetimes, the Singaporean-born author reveals that it is inspired by real estate in the middle of Singapore that still exists today, named Istana Woodneuk, which was owned by the Sultan of Johore. Wanting it to play a central role in his book, the way Downton Abbey does in the eponymous TV series or Brideshead does in Brideshead Revisited, Kwan's own walks around the property as a child helped him to create its charmingly antiquated descriptions. His friend, actress Julia Nickson, also shared with him memories of the place from the 70s, which she describes as "literally a small palace in the middle of the jungle".
But beyond its magnificent stature, Tyersall Park also serves to give an insight into why the old money he grew up around actually goes out of its way to not be in top 10 lists and financial news. Wanting to capture the sense of sophistication and nobleness that gets lost in the crowd of "bling and fancy-fancy", much intrigue from Kwan's book continues to stem from the families that have been living their lives of privilege and style for generations in a quiet way.
"I think particularly in Asia, many of these people still have very vivid memories of what happened during World War II," he explains. "When Singapore was occupied by the Japanese, there were horrors and atrocities. They learned at that point that you wanted to be as invisible as possible. If you're too public or known to be a rich and powerful family, guess what, the Japanese are going to come after you and lock you up, so I think it was a matter of survival. It goes back even earlier in the history of China, with immigrants in the 18th and 19th centuries fleeing something, like rebellion or war. I think very early on, they were just wired to be very protective and secretive."
His third instalment is still uproarious as ever, but it also takes a surprising historical turn his previous books have not taken before. Giving an unrosy look into the disappearing old-world charm of the island nation and long-buried secrets of the looming and privileged matriarch Su Yi, Rich People Problems transcends its prequels to become an advocacy story that is also of historical significance -- beyond the rich romp label that the series has made for itself.
"I needed to go back to the previous generations, to show how their early experiences -- especially during World War II -- changed them in profound ways and influenced the generations to come," says Kwan. "I wanted readers to understand why some of the characters behaved the way they do and to deeper explore the lineage of pain that passes from generation to generation -- how Su Yi's experiences affected her daughter Felicity Leong, and how it in turn affects her relationship with her daughter Astrid."
Astonishingly, Su Yi's history will also take readers to our hills in Chiang Mai, with Thai bits in his book bringing forward a Thai family, nothing less than MRs and MCs, flying into Singapore too for heirlooms and a piece of the fortune. Kwan's own aunt, who married a Thai gentleman and settled in Bangkok, is clearly the backbone for this branch of the extended family, while he adds: "I am also very fortunate to have a close family friend who was a Khunying, married to a Thai prince. She was like a godmother to me and I would see her every week when I was growing up. She gave me many books and would tell me the most fascinating stories."
The gilded lives of Asia's richest clans draws to a close in print, but their world ceases to end anytime soon, with Kwan serving as the executive producer of Warner Bros.' film adaptation of Crazy Rich Asians.
With shooting currently going on in Singapore and Malaysia, this could be the biggest all-Asian outing Hollywood has seen, with Jon M. Chu (of Step Up and Now You See Me 2 fame) directing. Some confirmed big names in the cast already include Michelle Yeoh as Nick's mother, Constance Wu (from Fresh Off the Boat) as Nick's girlfriend and the despicably funny Ken Jeong, most likely to star as Eddie, Nick's obnoxious, social-climbing cousin from Hong Kong. As more names are revealed, it seems that local talents from Singapore and the Philippines are also part of the production.
But what's more valuable than all of Christie's antiques in his books combined is how Kwan has jumpstarted a renaissance of works about modern Asia, especially in a literary market that only offered nostalgia and immigrant blues, when coming from Asian writers. More writers are writing stories about contemporary Asians today and the author's latest project is creating a one-hour scripted drama series with STX Entertainment. It won't be a continuation or spin-off of the Crazy Rich Asians world, but can we hope to see more works from him that put Asia in the spotlight?
The man who could possibly turn into the next Julian Fellowes answers: "Definitely! I feel like we are only at the beginning of a tidal wave of entertainment that will feature Asian actors alongside Hollywood actors and I want to be at the forefront of that. My new TV series will definitely be a showcase for Asian talent and everything else I try to do."
Rich People Problems is available at Asia Books and Kinokuniya.
KwAn’s Finest Favourites
Both wannabes and truly sophisticated types fill the pages of Kwan's books. As a tasteful connoisseur and purveyor of the finer things in life, we ask the author for an uncensored and truly exquisite selection of his own favourite (and most overrated) labels and haunts.
Kevin Kwan at La Terrazza di Lucullo in Anacapri.
Favourite grocery store?
Daylesford Organic (UK) — it's like being in an exquisite jewellery store of food. It's all white marble and every head of lettuce is beautifully chosen — there's just no comparison.
Brand you think is way too overrated?
Chanel. Don't get me wrong, I fully appreciate the brand, but the cult of Chanel and the way it's become so coveted has gotten a bit ridiculous. To me, there are so many brilliant talented young designers out there doing beautiful things that also deserve attention and accolades.
Favourite Asian city?
Hong Kong, but after my last visit to Bangkok I might have to reconsider this.
Favourite watch?
Vintage Patek Philippe wristwatches that have a history to them.
Favourite fashion brand?
Dries van Noten.
Favourite glasses or sunglasses?
Res Rei, a wonderful small Italian eyewear line. They create the most exquisite sunglasses, all handmade in Italy, that manage to be fashion forward while also being utterly timeless.
Favourite tea brand?
Palais des Thes. I'm addicted to their Saint James blend and drink it every morning.
Favourite shoes?
I'm loving my Edward Green suede chukka boots.
Favourite furniture brand?
Right now I'm obsessed with everything being designed by Marta Sala Editions.
Favourite artist?
At the moment I've developed a new appreciation for the work of Ellsworth Kelly.
Favourite restaurant?
La Terrazza di Lucullo at the Hotel Caesar Augustus in Anacapri, Italy. It's also one of the most beautiful restaurants on the planet, set on a breathtaking terrace high above Capri. When you dine there, you really feel like you're on the edge of heaven.
Dream car?
Toyota Land Cruiser from the 1970s.
Restaurant you think is way too overrated?
It's always a pity to me when famous restaurants become way too popular and they start having all these chains like Nobu. The original in New York used to be one of my favourite restaurants. Now that it's gone global, I think it's just not the same anymore. I miss the original Nobu from 1996.
Favourite perfume?
Frederic Malle. I love how he collaborates with the world's top perfumers to create every scent.
Favourite jewellers?
I think Carnet by Michelle Ong is producing the most breathtaking jewels these days.
