Quarantine read: The 7 best books on luxury

Twinkle Dharmani

One of the best parts of reading a book is to be transported to a different world. Here we have listed the top 7 books that will take you to the world of luxury.

1. The Cartiers

Author: Francesca Cartier Brickell

A descendant of the revered jewellery family, Francesca’s book about her family’s business is the product of a 10-year research. The story dates back to 1847 when Louis-François Cartier, the author’s great-great great grandfather founded the firm in Paris, and further chronicles the family’s business and legacy.

2. Crazy Rich Asians

Author: Kevin Kwan

Rachel Chu, an American-born Chinese, agrees to spend the summer with her Oxford-educated boyfriend Nicholas Young in his native country Singapore for his best friend Colin Khoo’s wedding. Little does she know that her boyfriend is actually an heir to the wealthiest Asian family. The book excellently portrays the Asian jet set and their jaw-dropping opulence, which includes a home that’s more of a palace and trips to private islands on private planes.

3. The Beautiful and Damned

Author: F. Scott Fritzgerald

Fritzgerald’s second novel follows the life of Harvard-graduate Anthony Patch, a socialite and an heir to his grandfather’s wealthy fortune, in a reckless marriage with his beautiful socialite wife, Gloria. Set in the year 1910, the story aptly depicts the ugly side of nouveau riche and the New York nightlife.

4. The Wolf of Wall Street

Author: Jordan Belfort

An autobiography of the former kingpin of a notorious investment firm Stratton Oakmont, Belfort made thousands of dollars a minute with his shady financial tactics. The book primarily highlights his opulent, luxurious lifestyle and the extravagance of everything that comes with excess money.

5. The Great Gatsby

Author: F. Scott Fritzgerald

Fritzgerald’s novel of the Jazz age is a critically-acclaimed story of the fabulously wealthy Jay Gatsby and his new love for the beautiful Daisy Buchanan. It’s an account of the enigmatic multi-millionaire Gatsby, who hosts dazzling soirées at his lavish estate in the Long Island. The story also explores the themes of decadence, idealism, resistance to change and social upheaval.

6. Alexander McQueen: Genius of a Generation

Author: Kristin Knox

A coffee table book for all the fashionistas out there, it is packed with over 125 stunning catwalk photographs as a tribute to the iconic fashion designer. Favourite among celebrity clients like Sarah Jessica Parker, Penelope Cruz and Nicole Kidman, the book is a tribute to the British couturier and is an ideal read for a lazy afternoon.

7. The Unfortunates

Author: Sophie McManus

A story of inheritance, influence, class and power, this debut novel by McManus revolves around Cecilia Somner, a larger-than-life heiress to a robber baron’s fortune. CeCe is in her 70s and is afflicted by a rare disease. A series of events forces her and her  troubled son George and his wife Iris to face the ugly side of excessive wealth and power.