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caseykoester39's review against another edition
3.0
Gentle inside look at life in India as told around a small match-making business. Throughout, there are beautiful descriptions of marriage traditions (and motivations), ceremonies and rituals. Food plays a big part too and we are treated to quick menus and why/why a particular dish is served. All in all, I loved this tale.
vaishsviews's review against another edition
4.0
I have to say it feels good to have read this book in one day. Life has been pretty hectic recently and I haven’t been able to properly read so I’m glad I made time for it.
Mr Ali is retired and has nothing better to do with his time and thus, with the help of Aruna and his wife, Mrs Ali, sets up a marriage bureau. There are a number of stories interwoven into the narrative of running a marriage bureau. Different stories come to light in the town of Vizag, South India.
It feels worth mentioning that the first 100 pages or so are incredibly slow. However, as the book progressed, I found myself racing to get through it purely because of the social commentary this book presents. It definitely helped redeem this book!
There are different aspects that become apparent like that of arranged marriages, colourism and respectability. Caste, religion, finance - these are all important aspects that both parties must consider before a marriage. Dowry is illegal but all matches require a substantive dowry because without, the marriage won’t happen.
For a book written in 2009, it is amazing that some facets are still relevant today.
Mr Ali is retired and has nothing better to do with his time and thus, with the help of Aruna and his wife, Mrs Ali, sets up a marriage bureau. There are a number of stories interwoven into the narrative of running a marriage bureau. Different stories come to light in the town of Vizag, South India.
It feels worth mentioning that the first 100 pages or so are incredibly slow. However, as the book progressed, I found myself racing to get through it purely because of the social commentary this book presents. It definitely helped redeem this book!
There are different aspects that become apparent like that of arranged marriages, colourism and respectability. Caste, religion, finance - these are all important aspects that both parties must consider before a marriage. Dowry is illegal but all matches require a substantive dowry because without, the marriage won’t happen.
For a book written in 2009, it is amazing that some facets are still relevant today.
booknerd_am_i's review against another edition
3.0
For a light humourous story, it's interesting to see Zama tackle the sensitive topics of marriage pertaining to caste, wealth and how to compromise those issues responsibly. It is not extraordinary in any measure. It's got a nice, leisurely cadence coupled with a simple writing style that does the story well. I enjoyed it. It's what for me a summer read should be.
nadiasmith86's review against another edition
4.0
A sweet book that made me smile and crave some good Indian food!
e_vhx's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
ncostell's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
laurenc620's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75