Crazy Rich Asians (Crazy Rich Asians, #1)

by Kevin Kwan

Astrid changed all this. She wasn’t a rebel, because to call her one would imply that she was breaking the rules. Astrid simply made her own rules, and through the confluence of her particular circumstances—a substantial private income, overindulgent parents, and her own savoir faire—every move she made became breathlessly talked about and scrutinized within that claustrophobic circle.

This is still one of the most asked questions of me at book events: Is Astrid based on a real person? Yes, she absolutely is, and yes, she is even more fabulous, fashionable, and lovely in reality. Over the years, there have been numerous articles speculating on who the real Astrid might be, and many women who have claimed in the press to be "the inspiration behind Astrid." I can assure you that none of them are the real deal. When the producers of the "Crazy Rich Asians" film went to Asia to begin location scouting for the film, they reported with much amusement that they met no less than 20 women during their trip, all claiming to be the real Astrid. Of course, I will never reveal who the true Astrid is. She is an intensely private individual, and it keeps things more fun that way, don't you think?