Kevin Kwan

Kevin Kwan
Born Singapore
Occupation Author
Notable works Crazy Rich Asians, China Rich Girlfriend, Rich People Problems
Website
http://www.kevinkwanbooks.com

Kevin Kwan is a Singaporean novelist best known for his satirical novels Crazy Rich Asians, China Rich Girlfriend and Rich People Problems. In 2014, Kwan was named as one of the "Five Writers to Watch" on The Hollywood Reporter's list of Hollywood's Most Powerful Authors.[1]

Early life

Kevin Kwan was born in Singapore into an established Chinese family.[2] His Great-Grandfather was one of the founding directors of Singapore's oldest bank, the Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation.[3] Kwan's grandfather, Dr. Arthur Kwan, was an ophthamologist, and became Singapore's first western-trained specialist.[4] Kwan is also related to Nancy Kwan, the iconic1960's Chinese-American movie star.[5] While in Singapore, Kwan studied at the Anglo-Chinese School.[6] Kwan's father and mother, an engineer and pianist respectively, moved the family to the United States when Kwan was 11.[7]

He attended the University of Houston, where he earned a BA in Media Studies, after which he moved to Manhattan to attend Parsons School of Design in order to pursue a BFA in Photography.[8][9] In New York, Kwan gained experience in the world of art and style, working for Andy Warhol's Interview Magazine and Martha Stewart Living. Kwan also worked for Tibor Kalman's legendary design firm M&Co. In 2000, Kwan established his own creative studio. He has serviced many high-profile clients, including Ted.com, Museum of Modern Art, and The New York Times.[10]

Career

Crazy Rich Asians

Kwan published Crazy Rich Asians in 2013. The book was inspired by his childhood in Singapore; the first chapter more specifically was inspired by a poem he had written years before entitled "Singapore Bible Study."[11][12] The novel was described as "a sprawling, multi-generational mock epic that centers on a clan of Singaporeans whose various factions gather from their respective lairs around the globe for a wedding that is the year’s most talked-about event among the international Chinese aristocracy," and upon publication received positive reviews. The book became both a national and international bestseller and has been translated into 12 languages.[13][14]

In 2013, Hunger Games producer Nina Jacobson secured film rights to Crazy Rich Asians. The film is currently in production.[15]

China Rich Girlfriend

Kwan published the first sequel to Crazy Rich Asians entitled China Rich Girlfriend in June 2015.[16] Similar to Crazy Rich Asians, China Rich Girlfriend became an international bestseller.

Rich People Problems

In 2016, EW confirmed that Kwan will be adding a third and final installment to the Crazy Rich trilogy, titled Rich People Problems. The novel was released in May 2017.[17]

References

  1. ↑ THR Staff. "Hollywood's Most Powerful Authors: 5 Writers to Watch". Retrieved 10 April 2016.
  2. ↑ Symons, Emma-Kate. "Richer Than God - crazy lives of the Asian super rich". Retrieved 9 April 2016.
  3. ↑ Ghee, Alison. "'Crazy Rich Asians' author Kevin Kwan on privilege, excess and believability".
  4. ↑ Jann, Janice. "Author Kevin Kwan on 'Crazy Rich Asians' Film and Luxuries Money Can't Buy". Retrieved 9 April 2016.
  5. ↑ Leese, Samantha. "Behind 'Crazy Rich Asians': 15 Minutes with Kevin Kwan". Retrieved 9 April 2016.
  6. ↑ Lindgren, John. "Bestselling Author of Crazy Rich Asians and China Rich Girlfriend". Retrieved 9 April 2016.
  7. ↑ Magazines, SPH. "Inside job, From The Outside – China Rich Girlfriend’s Author speaks". thepeakmagazine.com.sg. Retrieved 2016-04-09.
  8. ↑ Rougeau, Rose. "Interview: Kevin Kwan on World of 'Insane Fortunes' in New Novel 'China Rich Girlfriend'". Retrieved 2 November 2015.
  9. ↑ Fulwood, Jaclyn. "Friday, January 4, 2013: Maximum Shelf: Crazy Rich Asians". www.shelf-awareness.com. Retrieved 9 April 2016.
  10. ↑ Lindgren, John. "Kevin Kwan in Bangkok". Pattaya Today Newspaper. Retrieved 9 April 2016.
  11. ↑ Christensen, Lauren. "Crazy Rich Asians Author Kevin Kwan on the Lavish Culture of Asia’s Upper Crust: "The Reality Is Simply Unbelievable"". Retrieved 10 April 2016.
  12. ↑ Chung, Paul. "Interview: 'Crazy Rich Asians' Teach Author Kevin Kwan His Love of Fiction". Retrieved 15 April 2015.
  13. ↑ Ab, Suhana. "The Curious Case of Kevin Kwan". Retrieved 10 April 2016.
  14. ↑ Ghee, Alison. "'Crazy Rich Asians' author Kevin Kwan on privilege, excess and believability". Retrieved 10 April 2016.
  15. ↑ Siegel, Tatiana. "'Crazy Rich Asians': Color Force Nabs Film Rights to Best-Seller". Retrieved 10 April 2016.
  16. ↑ "Goodreads - Editions of China Rich Girlfriend by Kevin Kwan". Retrieved 21 July 2015.
  17. ↑ Biedenharn, Isabella. "Kevin Kwan teases final book in Crazy Rich Asians trilogy". Retrieved 11 April 2016.
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