Jess Ho’s debut novel People With Money serves up satire with mixed results
The Guardian’s review of the Melbourne author’s first fiction finds a sharp tongue and culinary metaphors, though the plot risks becoming overcooked.
Melbourne author Jess Ho has moved from memoir to fiction with People With Money, a debut novel that examines the friction between race, class, and gender. Published by Affirm Press and priced at $34.99, the book marks Ho’s first foray into the genre following their 2022 memoir, Raised by Wolves. The narrative centres on Amy Chan, a non-binary Asian artist in their late 20s, and Edward Smith, a 45-year-old CEO whose interests range from Billy Joel to steak nights.
The story traces the couple’s rapid trajectory from meeting at a clothing store to a proposal within months. The Guardian’s review notes that while the novel explores similar themes to Jessie Tu’s A Lonely Girl is a Dangerous Thing and the works of Kiley Reid, Amy’s gender identity provides a distinct perspective. The relationship is depicted in cold, transactional terms, with Edward portrayed as casually racist and indifferent to identity politics, while Amy is blunt and opinionated.
Critics observe that Ho’s signature dry sarcasm permeates the text, yet some characters risk becoming caricatures. Edward’s flaws, including a drinking problem and inability to use Amy’s pronouns, are presented with a sharpness that occasionally borders on parody. Amy’s defiance is described as righteous, though the review suggests it can read like a textbook lesson in social justice. The power dynamics extend to Amy’s social circle, where friends with bohemian names are revealed to be private school children relying on parental wealth.
A subplot involving Amy’s mentor, Catherine Swell, offers a glimpse into the protagonist’s formative years. Through secret painting lessons and access to the art world, Amy finds a reprieve from a loveless home. Ho’s background as a food writer and in the restaurant industry is evident in the prose, which comes alive when describing culinary experiences. The review highlights how food serves as a metaphor for the couple’s dynamic, from the slippery brisket noodles they share to the bland, overcooked chicken served by Edward’s parents.
However, the novel is not without its flaws. The review points to a frustrating lack of agency for Amy at crucial moments, such as when Edward takes them to Singapore and Hong Kong on a whim. Scenes involving the 2019 Hong Kong protests are described as feeling like an afterthought, failing to seamlessly integrate the tension between Amy’s life in Australia and their cultural background. The plot is noted for zigzagging through increasingly random events, sometimes lacking the sharpness required for effective satire.
Ultimately, the Guardian’s assessment is that while People With Money has well-meaning ideas at its core, it suffers from being overcooked and underseasoned. The book is out now, offering readers a look into the complex, often uncomfortable intersections of identity and wealth in contemporary Melbourne.
