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These Foolish Things
Enticed by advertisements for a newly restored palatial hotel and filled with visions of a life of leisure, good weather and mango juice in their gin, a group of very different people leave England to begin a new life in India. On arrival they are dismayed to find the palace is a shell of its former self, the staff more than a little eccentric, and the days of the Raj long gone. But, as they soon discover, life and love can begin again, even in the most unexpected circumstances.
- GenresIndiaAdult Fiction
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 16, 2012
53 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Moggach
48 books578 followersDeborah Moggach is a British writer, born Deborah Hough on 28 June 1948. She has written fifteen novels to date, including The Ex-Wives, Tulip Fever, and, most recently, These Foolish Things. She has adapted many of her novels as TV dramas and has also written several film scripts, including the BAFTA-nominated screenplay for Pride & Prejudice. She has also written two collections of short stories and a stage play. In February 2005, Moggach was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters degree by her Alma Mater, the University of Bristol . She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, a former Chair of the Society of Authors, and is on the executive committee of PEN.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 14, 2012
After watching the film "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" recently, I noticed the title of this book in the credits. It has been re-titled with the name of the movie, but this is the original book, published in 2004. I enjoyed it just as much as I did the film, although, as others have noted, it differs in substantial ways. I suppose the changes made to the film version were done in order to streamline the story, but it did make for a very different tale than that told in the book. This all goes to say that you may enjoy the book in its own right; it has very little similarity to the film.
As is typical for a book version, there is much more depth to the characters, and because you are able to fall more thoroughly into their lives, there is more to consider. Beyond being just a good story, this book has some serious things to say about how the elderly are perceived and treated in Western cultures. The people in this book didn't just decide to move far from their homes to a very different culture on a lark. Most of them moved because they had so little money they needed to live in a place where their funds would stretch further. They also had been neglected by their families and been made to feel themselves a burden to their children. There is an interesting comment in the book, made by someone from the Indian culture into which they are thrust in Bangalore, to the effect that the elderly are valued in India and that families care for their older folk. One of the British women wryly says, sotto voce, that they don't seem to value begging children to the same degree. More than once, a character says wistfully that, as one ages, one becomes more invisible. It didn't surprise me to find out that the author is in her 60s. As one of the book's characters says, after her father dies, she is now an orphan, and further, she is next in the queue.
This book brought to mind a wonderful quote I read recently from the British writer, Martin Amis (from an article in Smithsonian magazine):
"Your youth evaporates in your early 40s when you look in the mirror. And then it becomes a full-time job pretending you're not going to die, and then you accept that you'll die. Then in your 50s everything is very thin. And then suddenly you've got this huge new territory inside you, which is the past, which wasn't there before. A new source of strength. Then that may not be so gratifying to you as the 60s begin, but then I find that in your 60s, everything begins to look sort of slightly magical again. And it's imbued with a kind of leave-taking resonance, that it's not going to be around very long, this world, so it begins to look poignant and fascinating."
What this book does that is very special is that it makes you see that aging does not take away the beauty and depth of each person's humanity. They cry out to be visible, to be valued for what they offer. They haven't reached some artificial plateau when all growth ceases. They are still changing and learning and loving and growing. They are not some faceless, gray-haired mass lingering in the wings, drifting off one by one. These are vital human beings with a story to tell and much still to offer.
As is typical for a book version, there is much more depth to the characters, and because you are able to fall more thoroughly into their lives, there is more to consider. Beyond being just a good story, this book has some serious things to say about how the elderly are perceived and treated in Western cultures. The people in this book didn't just decide to move far from their homes to a very different culture on a lark. Most of them moved because they had so little money they needed to live in a place where their funds would stretch further. They also had been neglected by their families and been made to feel themselves a burden to their children. There is an interesting comment in the book, made by someone from the Indian culture into which they are thrust in Bangalore, to the effect that the elderly are valued in India and that families care for their older folk. One of the British women wryly says, sotto voce, that they don't seem to value begging children to the same degree. More than once, a character says wistfully that, as one ages, one becomes more invisible. It didn't surprise me to find out that the author is in her 60s. As one of the book's characters says, after her father dies, she is now an orphan, and further, she is next in the queue.
This book brought to mind a wonderful quote I read recently from the British writer, Martin Amis (from an article in Smithsonian magazine):
"Your youth evaporates in your early 40s when you look in the mirror. And then it becomes a full-time job pretending you're not going to die, and then you accept that you'll die. Then in your 50s everything is very thin. And then suddenly you've got this huge new territory inside you, which is the past, which wasn't there before. A new source of strength. Then that may not be so gratifying to you as the 60s begin, but then I find that in your 60s, everything begins to look sort of slightly magical again. And it's imbued with a kind of leave-taking resonance, that it's not going to be around very long, this world, so it begins to look poignant and fascinating."
What this book does that is very special is that it makes you see that aging does not take away the beauty and depth of each person's humanity. They cry out to be visible, to be valued for what they offer. They haven't reached some artificial plateau when all growth ceases. They are still changing and learning and loving and growing. They are not some faceless, gray-haired mass lingering in the wings, drifting off one by one. These are vital human beings with a story to tell and much still to offer.
January 25, 2013
I really want to see the movie, but am glad I've read the book first. Highly entertaining...I wonder if I'll find a place such as this when it's time for me to retire. Never a dull moment!
July 25, 2012
So different from the movie but just as special...lovely characters...perhaps not all as likeable as in the movie?
January 8, 2022
Like a lot of people, at first I compared the book to the movie, which we’ve enjoyed 2x. Then I realized that wasn’t the best idea as the differences between screen play & book are often significant which can be distracting and even annoying.
On its own merits I enjoyed the book. The focus on elderly people bemoaning the changes in British life and their sometimes bleak existence can be a downer. However the characters and plot are interesting enough and sufficiently complex that the narrative becomes rather captivating.
I enjoyed the exploration of India as outlined and became more interested to see it, flaws included. India seems excitingly different, certainly worthy of serious consideration of those of us who love travelling.
The major scary point is that so many of the characters are a bit younger than me. “Elderly“ is not a term I like to think of in context to my life. However my children keep reminding me not to I deny the reality of time slipping past. The author puts this “aging” in highlights. All considered, I found this book a good read and am thankful to have been able to enjoy the multiple stories.
On its own merits I enjoyed the book. The focus on elderly people bemoaning the changes in British life and their sometimes bleak existence can be a downer. However the characters and plot are interesting enough and sufficiently complex that the narrative becomes rather captivating.
I enjoyed the exploration of India as outlined and became more interested to see it, flaws included. India seems excitingly different, certainly worthy of serious consideration of those of us who love travelling.
The major scary point is that so many of the characters are a bit younger than me. “Elderly“ is not a term I like to think of in context to my life. However my children keep reminding me not to I deny the reality of time slipping past. The author puts this “aging” in highlights. All considered, I found this book a good read and am thankful to have been able to enjoy the multiple stories.
August 25, 2014
Fantastic book!!
I fell in love with the film The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, and when I saw in the credits that it was based on a novel, I knew I had to check it out. Deborah Moggach's story differs from its film adaptation, though most of the characters are recognizable in both. Moggach's story is infused with sharp wit, as well as shrewd analysis on society, intercultural encounters, and the marginalized population of the elderly. A cliché that is very applicable, I could not put this book down, but carried with me the way one carries and constantly checks a cell. I have enjoyed many novels, but not many have entertained me the way this has.
I fell in love with the film The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, and when I saw in the credits that it was based on a novel, I knew I had to check it out. Deborah Moggach's story differs from its film adaptation, though most of the characters are recognizable in both. Moggach's story is infused with sharp wit, as well as shrewd analysis on society, intercultural encounters, and the marginalized population of the elderly. A cliché that is very applicable, I could not put this book down, but carried with me the way one carries and constantly checks a cell. I have enjoyed many novels, but not many have entertained me the way this has.
September 28, 2012
I read this after enjoying the film based on the book, The Best Exotic Marygold Hotel. I enjoyed the book, too, but it's very different from the film. A subset of characters are in the film, roughly similar, but none of the things that happen to the characters are the same. It's so odd that film producers change a story so much; didn't they like the book in the first place? Anyway, both are good at least.
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March 4, 2017I loved this book, the original story of 'The Help'. As usual there is a lot more to this story than the film gave us. A worthy read and an interesting connection to a time I grew up aware of but not really knowing, being an Australian. It's historical links make it a relevant and engaging read for those with an interest in American/black history.
September 22, 2012
This is the book on which the movie "Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" is based. I liked the movie a lot, but the book, of course, is better. If you saw the movie, you will find the book quite different; the characters are more fully-developed and more interestingly human.
Read it.
Read it.
January 17, 2023
loved every minute of it
Felt like I was there and miss all the characters now.
Would highly recommend especially if you enjoyed the films. The book is different enough so’s the film does not to intrude on your enjoyment of it.
Felt like I was there and miss all the characters now.
Would highly recommend especially if you enjoyed the films. The book is different enough so’s the film does not to intrude on your enjoyment of it.
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January 27, 2014This book was the basis for the motion picture "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel".
July 17, 2012
I loved this book and I loved the movie. It is funny, romantic, truthful, just everything.
July 26, 2012
Enjoyable read , makes you think about all these family and growing old
August 25, 2012
the movie was more enjoyable
August 31, 2012
If you watched the movie best marigold hotel you will enjoy this book
October 18, 2012
An easy read, this is the book "Best Marigold Hotel" was based on. Light, sweet and insightful.
November 13, 2012
Simply wonderful.
March 13, 2018
The book is a pleasant feel-good book with the odd sad moment. It is one million times better than the film.
January 2, 2022
A predictable but pleasant read
You won't be on the edge of your seat but it's avsatisfying story with some nice pros - a little too wordy for my liking though.
You won't be on the edge of your seat but it's avsatisfying story with some nice pros - a little too wordy for my liking though.
March 10, 2022
This is the book that inspired the film "Best Marigold Hotel" but is quite different from the film. It is an easy read with funny moments and some insights into old age.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews