This is one of the funniest books i have ever read. This somehow manages to create this almost world that seems to exist in a parallel reality- a world of almost terrifying opulence and the Chinese royalty that seems to occupy it. I say this not because this book has royalty, but because they might as well be. A dynasty of wealth, a bloodline of entitlement, secrecy, and luxury. I particularly enjoyed the footnotes explaining things like Singaporean food, cultural references, and curses. Kevin Kwan