Rich People Problems

Kevin Kwan’s novel examines the intricate machinery of generational wealth through an ensemble cast navigating inheritance disputes and shifting social alliances. Set primarily in Singapore and London, the narrative traces members of two affluent families as they confront the quiet tensions between established aristocracy and newly acquired fortune. Kwan employs a sharp, observant tone to explore how extreme affluence shapes personal relationships, cultural identity, and moral compromise. The characters move through gilded estates, exclusive clubs, and international real estate markets, revealing how privilege both isolates and binds its inhabitants. Grounded in contemporary Asian diaspora experiences, the work interrogates the weight of family expectation and the performative nature of high society. By juxtaposing lavish settings with intimate domestic conflicts, Kwan crafts a socially resonant portrait of modern wealth that balances comedic precision with thoughtful cultural commentary.