LIES AND WEDDINGS Cities Trilogy, Book 2

Jing Lusi's first-rate facility with accents highlights Kevin Kwan's latest globe-hopping tale of the excesses of the super-rich. Lusi portrays the large cast of men and women of differing classes from all around the world, keeping them distinguished from one another. Once again, Kwan takes us on a wild ride while chronicling racism, classism, poverty, and environmental destruction. Lusi is memorable as the Countess of Greshamsbury, a Chinese woman married to a British Earl, as she tries desperately to upstage her snooty, wealthy, upper-class counterparts, who will always view her as inferior. It's too bad Lusi's choppy cadence diminishes some of the humor of the many footnotes and parenthetical asides. Those who enjoyed CRAZY RICH ASIANS should consider giving this a listen. S.G. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2024]