LIES AND WEDDINGS

Kevin Kwan’s Lies and Weddings is a glittering romp through the lives of the ultra-rich, complete with volcanic wedding disasters, scheming matriarchs, and love triangles set against backdrops like Hawaii and Marrakech. But beneath the couture gowns and private jets, this book sneaks in surprisingly relatable lessons—no trust fund required .

First, money can’t buy happiness. The Gresham family’s downfall isn’t just about dwindling wealth—it’s about the lies they tell to keep up appearances. Rufus, the heir, is pressured to marry for money, but the stress of maintaining a façade resonates with anyone who’s ever faked a Facebook smile or swiped a credit card while sweating over bills. The takeaway? Authenticity beats artifice, whether you’re dodging creditors or just dodging awkward small talk.

Next lesson, tiger moms (and dads) aren’t always right. Lady Arabella, Rufus’s status-obsessed mother, is a masterclass in toxic parenting. Her relentless push for "advantageous" marriages mirrors real-world pressures to chase prestige jobs or Instagram-perfect lives.

Eden, the humble doctor next door, becomes the book’s quiet rebel by choosing integrity over Instagram fame—a reminder that success shouldn’t mean sacrificing your values (or your sanity). Rufus’s heart, on the other hand, wars with his family’s spreadsheet-approved bridal candidates. Sound familiar? It’s the age-old clash of practicality vs. passion, whether you’re weighing a stable-but-snoozy job against a creative hustle or choosing between a "sensible" partner and the one who makes you laugh.

Kwan’s twist? The volcano erupts (literally) to force honesty—because sometimes life needs to blow up your plans to show you what matters .

Another lesson is that the best things aren’t on Instagram. The book’s lavish settings—ice palaces! platinum yachts!—are fun, but the real joy comes from Rufus and Eden’s childhood bond. Their connection thrives in unglamorous moments, like shared jokes or quiet beach walks. It’s a nudge to cherish real-life connections over curated highlight reels .

Final Verdict: Lies and Weddings is a fizzy cocktail of escapism, but its core is a toast to humility, honesty, and heart. Whether you’re dodging volcanic ash or just Monday emails, Kwan’s message sticks: the richest lives aren’t measured in zeros, but in choices made without lying to yourself—or others .

Now, excuse me while I pretend my budget apartment is a Hawaiian eco-resort.