The Marriage Bureau for Rich People

By: Farahad Zama

Narrated by: Tania Rodrigues

Farahad Zama's debut novel transports listeners to faraway India for a story brimming with endearing characters, homespun wisdom, and blossoming love.

After Mr. Ali retires, he launches a matchmaking service that helps an array of clients arrange marriages. But he's unaware of his able assistant's dire need for his marriage bureau.

©2008 Farahad Zama (P)2009 Recorded Books, LLC

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.

Fantastic!

Any additional comments?

I have recommended this book to so many people after finishing. It is a charming snapshot of the middle classes of India - the caste system, the way people shop and work and live. I was thrilled to discover that the author spends more time with some of the secondary characters in other books and plan to read or listen to them as they become available. If you are a fan of The Number One Ladies Detective Agency, this book will give you the same feeling of recognition with a place so different from our own.

Loved it!

What did you like best about this story?

The colorful description of the people and the culture. I did not want this book to end!

What about Tania Rodrigues’s performance did you like?

Outstanding narrative, loved her Indian accent. She made the story come alive.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The description of the weddings...the food preparation and the clothing. I loved her characters.

Any additional comments?

My only disappointment is there is no next book. I want more! Please!

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.

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.