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.