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I'd like to see a complete review of this book. Snippets of a review? That doesn't cut it. There's no doubt in my mind that I have positive things to say about it. I loved the way the author put me inside life in India today. Little conversations between people in India. Little trips to weddings. Little visits with people seeking a husband or a wife. I loved that.
But there are, also, for me, the negative things I must say about it. Most of the negative things can be summed up in one sentence: I ...more
But there are, also, for me, the negative things I must say about it. Most of the negative things can be summed up in one sentence: I ...more
I knew nothing about this book prior to picking it up, but I gather that it was marketed as being in the vein of The Ladies No. 1 Detective Agency series (which I love). If that's the case, then for once the publisher's comparison is fairly apt. This gentle book is about a retired Indian civil servant who establishes a marriage matchmaking service on the veranda of his house in order to pass the days, and it's very similar to the Ladies No. 1 series -- albeit without any crime. The story feature
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4/4.5 stars
If you like the pacing and storytelling of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency then you should absolutely give this book a try. It is delightful light fiction.
Mr. Ali lives in Visakhapatnam (AKA Vizag), is recently retired, and is driving Mrs. Ali crazy. So, naturally, Mr. Ali decides to start a marriage bureau on their veranda to keep himself busy and out of Mrs. Ali's way. Such a fun premise and interesting insight into the local marriage traditions (as well as how they are changing ...more
If you like the pacing and storytelling of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency then you should absolutely give this book a try. It is delightful light fiction.
Mr. Ali lives in Visakhapatnam (AKA Vizag), is recently retired, and is driving Mrs. Ali crazy. So, naturally, Mr. Ali decides to start a marriage bureau on their veranda to keep himself busy and out of Mrs. Ali's way. Such a fun premise and interesting insight into the local marriage traditions (as well as how they are changing ...more
As far as plot, character development, etc. I rate this book 2 stars. But it's about India, and thus I was glued to it. The mention of Idli, my absolute favorite food in India, persuaded me to rate the book 4 stars. It's description of India is relatively accurrate, as well, and I would recommend it to Westerners to learn more about India's caste system and how arranged marriages are the norm, and love marriages often looked down upon.
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This was a fun, quick read with some interesting info on current Indian views on marriage and society. However, it was a little too oversimplified and a bit "sickly sweet" in the ending for my taste. Not bad, but not great.
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Jul 12, 2022
Lisa of Hopewell
marked it as to-read
7/12/2022 reminded of this book by this post: http://luktenavtrykksverte.blogspot.c...
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May 20, 2018
Keeley
marked it as to-read
Mar 19, 2023
Brenda
marked it as to-read
