I was expecting something of a mashup between the complex, rich, familial relationships featured in Gossip Girl and Crazy Rich Asians, plus a little of Arrested Development sprinkled in. The blurb, too, features a similar sentiment. Make no mistake: this is definitely its own story.

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Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5) 
 
As always, a copy of this book was provided by the publisher or author in exchange for my honest review. This does not effect my opinion in any way. 

This is my kind of read. The very sort of novel that captures my attention nearly instantly. Give me all the complexities of family life. Show me the kind of characters that aren't easy to root for; the ones that drive you a little mad but still, somehow, against all odds, remain easy to appreciate and want the "best" for.  

Family Trust is intelligent and well written, dramatic and serious, with a hint of something stylish. It is a perfect contradiction, like life itself, and proves to be a thoroughly entertaining read. I agree with the sentiment and comparison to Arrested Development--if you loved the characters in this show based on their unlikable qualities, you'll definitely feel a similar series of emotions towards the characters in Family Trust.

This isn't the type of novel that will give you the warm and fuzzies, per se, but it will entertain you. It is a family drama at its core that will have you scoffing and rolling your eyes one minute, laughing at the absurdity of certain plots, and more. It's full of snark and humor, a glimpse at materialism, a life as it was lived, grief and a lot more.

I'm not even sure where to begin with Family Trust, without spoiling too much of the central plots. In terms of plotlines, this certainly focuses on the intense--and often insufferably unfortunate--dynamics of one family. A lot of Family Trust felt not unlike a delectable soap opera in terms of its tropes and how they are used to further the story in nearly-ridiculous manners. It begins like so many dramatic tales do--the impending death of one of their own.

Kathy Wang decorates her story with an equal amount of sarcasm and honesty, which can be amusing and frustrating all at once; we see the family as they're in the process of learning one of their own has very little time to live and are left wondering what it means for them. I really enjoyed it!

If you've read, and loved, novels like Gossip Girl and Crazy Rich Asians, it is safe to say this is your next great love. It has the elements of satire, but often faces a more serious tone and polished prose. I don't think it will be for everyone due to the unlikable nature of some of the characters as well as the way it incorporates a bit more of the business aspect of things. Ultimately, though, so much of Family Trust is worthy of a read--and a definite option to curl up with this winter.

About Kathy Wang

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