An Evening With Author Kevin Kwan: ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ and the Power of Representation

Kevin Kwan’s breakout debut novel, Crazy Rich Asians, has become something of a cultural phenomenon, topping bestseller lists worldwide, spawning two bestselling sequels and inspiring a #1 movie. Also the first romantic comedy from a major Hollywood studio to feature a lead actor and actress of Asian descent, the release of this film is now considered a watershed moment to many Asians and Asian-Americans.

In this interview, Kwan discusses the (unanticipated) cultural impact of his novels and describes how the climate in many industries, particularly entertainment, is already changing. Discussing the wide spectrum and multiple facets of Asians around the world, Kwan also explores the unimaginable wealth disparity rarely discussed.

Now part of a larger conversation, Kwan advocates the need for proper representation in society, as he says, “The more we demystify a culture and people, the more we relate to each other.”