Lies and Weddings by Kevin Kwan Summary, Characters and Themes
Lies and Weddings by Kevin Kwan is a dazzling and satirical exploration of the ultra-rich elite, blending romance, drama, and sharp social commentary. Set against the backdrop of an extravagant Hawaiian wedding, the novel follows Rufus Leung Gresham, heir to a crumbling British aristocratic family, who is caught between duty, love, and scandal.
With the Gresham family’s fortune on the line, Rufus faces pressure to marry for money, but a forbidden affair threatens to unravel everything. Kwan delivers a tale filled with outrageous humor, biting critiques of wealth and privilege, and unexpected twists, making it a perfect escape into a world of glamour and chaos.
Summary
Lies and Weddings centers around Rufus Leung Gresham, the heir to the Gresham family, an old British aristocratic lineage that has fallen into financial ruin due to decades of lavish overspending.
Despite their outward appearance of wealth and status, the Gresham family is buried under mountains of debt, and their only chance of survival lies in Rufus marrying a wealthy heiress.
Under the manipulation of his scheming mother, Lady Arabella, Rufus is pushed to seduce a woman with money to restore the family’s fortune.
Rufus finds himself torn between three potential brides: Solène de Courcy, a French hotel heiress with royal blood; Martha Dung, a brilliant venture capitalist; and his childhood friend, Eden Tong, a humble doctor with no interest in wealth.
While Arabella is determined to marry her son off to the richest woman he can charm, Rufus begins to struggle with his own desires. His heart leans toward Eden, the girl next door who values kindness and integrity over wealth and status. However, pursuing Eden means turning his back on his family’s legacy and financial salvation.
As the Gresham family gathers in Hawaii for the lavish wedding of Rufus’s sister, the pressure mounts.
The wedding is filled with a who’s who of the global elite, from barons to oligarchs, and becomes the perfect stage for drama. Amid the decadence of this tropical paradise, secrets are revealed, lies are exposed, and scandals ensue.
A volcanic eruption literally and figuratively disrupts the nuptials, causing the Gresham family’s plans to unravel in spectacular fashion. A hot mic exposes Rufus’s secret affair, threatening his family’s future and reputation.
Throughout the chaos, the book weaves in sharp commentary on privilege, wealth, and the burdens of family expectations. Lady Arabella, a former Hong Kong supermodel, embodies the relentless drive for status and power, having internalized the racism and prejudice she faced in her rise to prominence.
Her single-minded obsession with securing her children’s future by marrying into even greater wealth mirrors the extremes of the upper class.
Meanwhile, Eden represents the contrasting values of humility, loyalty, and genuine connection, challenging the superficiality of the elite world.
As the novel unfolds, long-hidden family secrets come to light, adding unexpected layers to the Gresham family’s downfall.
The story spans glamorous locations, from the black sand beaches of Hawaii to the red city of Marrakech, offering a whirlwind tour of excess and extravagance. In the end, Rufus must decide between love and duty, as well as face the shocking consequences of a tragedy that has been buried for two decades.
Lies and Weddings is a fast-paced, humorous, and insightful novel that explores the lies we tell ourselves and others to survive in a world obsessed with wealth and power.
Characters
Rufus Leung Gresham
Rufus Leung Gresham is a complex character who serves as the focal point of the story. He is portrayed as a reluctant heir to the Greshambury legacy, weighed down by family expectations and financial ruin.
While born into a life of extreme privilege, his character displays a longing to break free from the mold, making him the “black sheep” of the family. Despite his immersion in the luxurious, decadent lifestyle of the international elite, Rufus is emotionally torn between his family’s demands and his own desires.
His internal conflict centers around the pressure to marry for wealth and save his family’s fortune versus following his heart and choosing love over duty. This dilemma leads him into a love triangle involving Solène, Martha, and Eden, further complicating his decision-making.
Rufus, though often criticized for his indecisiveness, is ultimately a sympathetic figure as he struggles between familial loyalty and personal fulfillment.
Eden Tong
Eden is one of the central characters and the object of Rufus’s affections, as well as a longtime friend of the Gresham family. She is the daughter of Dr. Thomas Tong, and like her father, she works as a doctor.
Eden stands out from the other characters due to her down-to-earth and humble nature, embodying integrity and moral fortitude. Unlike the wealthy, elite social circles that dominate the novel, Eden is depicted as a grounded individual who values genuine relationships over wealth and status.
Despite her affections for Rufus, she remains somewhat of a passive character, often portrayed as too much of a “pushover” in the eyes of some readers. Her relationship with Rufus takes a long time to develop, and even when Rufus expresses his love for her, the chemistry between them is not fully convincing.
However, Eden serves as a moral compass within the story, contrasting sharply with the materialistic ambitions of the Gresham family and representing a simpler, more authentic life.
Lady Arabella Gresham
Lady Arabella is Rufus’s mother and one of the most formidable characters in the novel. She is portrayed as a scheming and ambitious woman, driven by her desire to preserve the family’s social standing and wealth.
Having experienced racism as a Hong Kong native who married into British aristocracy, Arabella internalizes this prejudice and becomes obsessed with marrying her children into powerful European families. Her character is extreme and overbearing, frequently embodying the stereotype of a “tiger mom.”
Throughout the book, she manipulates Rufus and others, pushing them toward advantageous marriages for the sake of family survival. Although she is often the antagonist, Kwan provides insights into her motivations, giving readers some understanding of her behavior.
Nevertheless, Arabella remains one of the most disliked characters due to her relentless social climbing and emotional coldness.
Dr. Thomas Tong
Dr. Tong, Eden’s father, is portrayed as a stable and kind figure in the chaotic world of the Greshams. Like his daughter, he values authenticity and friendship over material wealth, and he has a long-standing relationship with the Gresham family.
His calm demeanor and altruism serve as a foil to the extravagance and superficiality of the other characters. Dr. Tong, having endured the tragic loss of his son, is characterized by his resilience and his ability to see the best in people.
He embodies wisdom and emotional strength, offering guidance and support to both Rufus and Eden. He is perhaps the moral anchor of the novel, a representation of loyalty and the enduring power of family ties grounded in love rather than money.
Solène de Courcy
Solène is one of the women whom Rufus considers marrying to solve his family’s financial woes. As a French hotel heiress with royal blood, Solène is the epitome of aristocratic elegance and wealth.
She is portrayed as the ideal match for Rufus from a pragmatic standpoint, bringing both prestige and financial stability to the Gresham family. However, despite her pedigree, Solène is not portrayed in much depth in the story.
Her character, while central to the love triangle, seems to function more as a symbol of the kind of life Rufus is expected to pursue rather than as a fully fleshed-out individual.
Martha Dung
Martha is another potential match for Rufus, and she represents a more modern form of power and wealth. As a venture capital genius, Martha is depicted as a highly intelligent and independent woman who commands immense respect in the business world.
Her character contrasts with the aristocratic expectations of the Gresham family, symbolizing new money and a break from traditional social hierarchies. Martha’s no-nonsense attitude and success in the financial world make her a formidable presence in the story.
Like Solène, her relationship with Rufus is overshadowed by the family drama and Rufus’s emotional turmoil.
Freddy and Francis
Freddy and Francis, Rufus’s siblings, receive less focus but are important in rounding out the Gresham family dynamic. Freddy, in particular, seems to be a victim of poor narration in the audiobook version, which affects how his character is perceived.
Both siblings are depicted as somewhat shallow, embodying the entitled, out-of-touch behaviors that characterize much of the Gresham family. Their voices are exaggerated and stereotypical, which perhaps undermines their potential as more complex characters.
Luis Felipe
Luis Felipe is a secondary character who, although not deeply analyzed in the novel, stands out as one of the more despised characters. His role in the story seems to revolve around his arrogant and entitled behavior, further complicating the already tangled relationships and family tensions.
Augie and Beatrice
Augie and Beatrice are portrayed as annoying and immature characters, with Beatrice especially receiving criticism for her incessant whining and privileged attitude. Both characters represent the younger generation of Greshams, who are still caught up in the family’s decadent lifestyle but lack the self-awareness to see its flaws.
Their privileged yet spoiled nature further highlights the contrast between the Greshams and characters like Eden and her father.
Gopal Das
Gopal Das is another secondary character, whose characterization in the audiobook seems to suffer from poor narration. Although intended to be a more spiritual or philosophical figure in the story, his portrayal through the audiobook made him appear comically absurd and unconvincing.
His “twin flames” concept, as described in the novel, was not well received and detracted from his character’s intended gravitas.
Aunt Rosina
Aunt Rosina, along with Arabella, plays a role in the Gresham family’s scheming. While she is not as fully fleshed out as Arabella, her character supports the broader theme of family manipulation and the lengths to which the Gresham matriarchs will go to ensure their family’s survival.
Themes
The Burden of Inherited Wealth and Legacy
The theme of inherited wealth and the responsibility of legacy runs through the core of Lies and Weddings. The protagonist, Rufus Leung Gresham, is trapped under the weight of his family’s deteriorating fortune and the pressure to restore its financial standing. This theme is not just about money; it touches upon the emotional and psychological toll that such inherited legacies take on individuals. Rufus is faced with the impossible task of marrying for wealth to salvage his family’s estate, revealing how financial survival often requires the sacrifice of personal desires. Kwan presents this theme with a nuanced critique of old-money aristocracy—where family name, estate, and societal standing are paramount—even if it means manipulating marriages or living in constant denial of the family’s true financial state.
Cultural Identity, Racism, and Internalized Prejudice
Kwan explores cultural identity, racism, and internalized prejudice in an intriguing way, especially through the character of Lady Arabella, who embodies the internalized racism of Hong Kong’s upper class. This theme is particularly powerful because it addresses not just external racism but also how those who have experienced it come to internalize and perpetuate it within their own circles. Arabella’s obsessive desire to marry her children into wealthy European families symbolizes her longing to escape her own background and gain legitimacy in Western high society. The novel critiques how wealth and power can blur cultural lines but also perpetuate divisions based on race and heritage. Arabella’s desperation to assimilate into white European culture reveals how deep-rooted self-hatred and cultural prejudice can be when individuals are conditioned to equate Western identity with superiority and privilege.
The Performance of Wealth and Social Status
Kwan intricately weaves the performance of wealth and social status into the novel, showing how characters navigate their lives under the pressure to constantly maintain appearances of affluence and success. The Gresham family’s financial ruin is a well-kept secret, concealed behind their opulent lifestyles, which are portrayed through luxurious mansions, extravagant parties, and elite circles. This theme is a commentary on the fragility of social status and how individuals are enslaved to the act of projecting a certain image—one of perfection and prosperity, even when reality tells a different story. The novel’s lavish settings, such as the Hawaiian wedding and various international locales, emphasize how wealth is not merely about material possessions but is a social performance, a show that must go on at all costs.
Family Expectations, Duty, and Personal Freedom
The conflict between family expectations, duty, and personal freedom is central to Rufus’s journey. He is torn between his familial obligation to marry for money and his personal longing to follow his heart.
This tension is a common one in stories that revolve around dynastic families, but Kwan adds complexity by layering it with modern concerns about autonomy, self-determination, and the right to choose one’s life partner.
The novel explores how traditional family structures—especially those with long histories of wealth and power—often prioritize the collective interest over individual happiness.
Rufus’s personal dilemma, whether to marry for love or money, is emblematic of this larger theme of how one navigates familial obligations when they stand in direct opposition to personal freedom and happiness.
Social Satire and the Absurdity of the Ultra-Wealthy
Kevin Kwan’s characteristic social satire and critique of the absurdity of the ultra-wealthy permeates the novel. The novel’s characters, settings, and plotlines offer biting commentary on the extreme lifestyles of the rich, exposing the ludicrousness of their excesses.
The extravagant wedding in Hawaii, the international jet-setting, the constant references to luxury brands, and the almost comical focus on wealth serve as vehicles for satirical commentary on the moral vacuity and trivial pursuits of the global elite.
This theme not only critiques the superficiality of the wealthy but also the systems that enable their extreme privilege, highlighting the disparity between the real world and the insulated bubbles in which these individuals operate.
Love, Romance, and the Commodification of Relationships
Love, romance, and the commodification of relationships is a recurring theme, especially in how relationships in the novel are often reduced to transactions or strategic alliances.
Rufus’s family pressures him to secure financial stability through marriage, reducing the deeply personal and emotional act of finding a partner to a business deal. The novel explores how wealth and power distort the very essence of romantic relationships, turning them into tools for financial or social gain.
Kwan contrasts this with Rufus’s genuine affection for Eden Tong, highlighting the tension between transactional relationships and authentic emotional bonds.
This theme extends to the other characters as well, showing how marriage and relationships are often dictated by the need for upward mobility or preservation of status rather than love.
The Intersection of Western and Asian Values
The intersection of Western and Asian values creates much of the cultural tension in the novel, especially regarding family dynamics, social mobility, and personal freedom.
Arabella’s fixation on Western aristocratic norms—despite her Hong Kong heritage—represents the clash between these two worlds. The novel critiques how globalized elites often inhabit a hybrid cultural space, where Western individualism, status, and privilege intersect with traditional Asian values of filial piety, family duty, and collective identity.
Rufus embodies this tension, as he straddles the expectations of both worlds, attempting to honor his family’s legacy while also carving out his personal path.
Power, Gender, and Female Agency
The theme of power, gender, and female agency is highlighted through the various female characters in the novel. Arabella’s role as the matriarch manipulating her children’s lives reflects how women, despite operating within patriarchal structures, find ways to assert power and control.
However, her power comes at the cost of perpetuating outdated norms and prejudices. On the other hand, Martha Dung, the venture capitalist, represents a new model of female empowerment—one that wields financial control and independence. Yet, even Martha is caught in a system that commodifies relationships, as her wealth makes her a target for men like Rufus who seek financial rescue.
Kwan’s depiction of female characters illustrates the complex ways in which women navigate power structures in both personal and societal contexts, often having to compromise their agency in exchange for status or security.
Secrets, Lies, and the Destruction of Truth
Finally, the theme of secrets, lies, and the destruction of truth is intricately woven into the plot, as characters harbor hidden truths and betray each other to protect their interests.
The novel examines how secrets, particularly those involving family and wealth, can lead to the unraveling of both personal and public lives. The Gresham family’s reliance on deception to maintain their image reflects a larger commentary on how society, especially the elite, is often built on carefully maintained falsehoods.
The volcanic eruption that disrupts the Hawaiian wedding is symbolic of the explosive nature of these lies, suggesting that no matter how deeply buried, the truth will eventually surface, leading to chaos and ruin.