The Marriage Bureau for Rich People

Very well drawn characters, with wonderful dialogue. I found it difficult to stop listening to this audible recording, as I was fascinated with the evolutionary changes in customs, acceptable gender roles and the impact of the IT revolution on a society. Charming, mildly humorous and hopefully, only the first of this author's body of work.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

15 people found this helpful

a delightful, multicultural experience

This wonderful story is an immersion into Hindu and Moslem culture in India. I loved the intertwined stories from start to finish. The narrator is excellent. Each character was unique and the dialogue was absolutely inspired.
I'm a new fan of Narahad Zama!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

11 people found this helpful

A pleasant escape

I really enjoyed the book. I picked it off the $4.95 sale list because I was desperate for something different to read. In someways it is like the Alexander McCall Smith No.1 Ladies Detective Agency series --in that it features an exotic local with characters whose mind-set is a lot, lot different from my own East Coast suburban milieu. I was hooked. I just could not put it down. It was really a simple story--nothing deep; nothing complicated; nothing depressing; nothing upsetting--just a pleasant way to escape from the every day.

Like No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, the narrator brought this book to life. If I had been reading to myself, all the characters would have had a Boston accent. But Tania Rodrigues read with an Indian accent which helped to paint the setting of the book.

This book is not going to win any awards. It is not great literature and it isn't pretending to be anything it's not. It is just a very pleasant way to spend the time listening to an enjoyable, heartwarming story about ordinary people living ordinary lives.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

10 people found this helpful

excellent, charming, exotic

i loved this book, and have listened to it a few times. a charming story about arranged marriage and indian customs. excellently read as well.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

10 people found this helpful

Reviews are on target - a lovely stroll

This was such a captivating listen. It was not Shantaram or the Twentieth Wife, or Cutting for Stone. Not epic. But so satisfying, a story that will stay with you and please the mind for years to come.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

7 people found this helpful

A nice slice of Indian life with a little romance

I enjoyed this book. It was a little slow at first but gets more interesting as characters fill out. I don't know much about everyday Indian life but this story comes across as authentic. The romance is enjoyable but maybe not so believable. Primarily I enjoyed the descriptions of Indian life and relationships.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

5 people found this helpful

Such a gentle book.

This book was such a joy to listen to! Mr. Ali, Mrs. Ali, and Aruna were such endearing characters and I wanted everything to go well for them. I enjoyed hearing about customs and cultures regarding modern-day India and arranged marriages. The narration was wonderful, with the accents transporting the listener to India. For those of you who are Alexander McCall Smith fans (#1 Ladies' Detecive Agency), this book might interest you.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

3 people found this helpful

Wonderful intro to Indian Customs with great story

I knew very little about the wedding and marriage customs in India, other than the weddings are elaborate. But this book with a great story line and great naration, capitvated me. I couldn't stop listening.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

3 people found this helpful

Light and Entertaining

Any additional comments?

This was a charming and fun listen. I thoroughly enjoyed it and hope that Book 2 is available at Audible soon.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

Simple and Sweet

I enjoyed this novel. It was a fun story including family dynamics, cultural interplay, marital friction, love, and all done in the context of modern day India. The characters were likeable and interesting. I loved the descriptions of Mr. and Mrs. Ali's home and of their marriage. As the reader, I could see the home, the garden and the streets surrounding the Ali's home thanks to the beautifully descriptive language of the author. Overall, well done, fun, if somewhat predictable sweet story.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful