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.
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"I really liked this book. It was interesting learning a little bit about Indian society. Marriage customs are very interesting, and this book had both a Hindu and a Muslim wedding described. Along with wisdom such as "a daughter without a mother in law is a happy daughter indeed."" — Emily (5 out of 5 stars)
"I really liked this book. It was interesting learning a little bit about Indian society. Marriage customs are very interesting, and this book had both a Hindu and a Muslim wedding described. Along with wisdom such as "a daughter without a mother in law is a happy daughter indeed.""
“A lilting, funny, warmhearted book.”
“A charming novel, fascinating in its depiction of a rich and exotic texture, yet filled with characters as familiar as your next-door neighbors.”
“Farahad Zama’s thoroughly entertaining debut novel captivates and delights. In marrying a uniquely Indian tale of culture and tradition to a universal story of family bonds tested and love triumphant, Zama has arranged a perfect match.”
“Zama’s strength is in showing the love that makes the matchmaking system possible, looking at the reciprocity, trust, and devotion that underlie marriage…Zama’s delightful world of mid-morning tea breaks, afternoon siestas, picnics in mango groves, and meddlesome aunties is a pleasant place to hang out.”
“Zama’s debut novel captivates the reader as an entertaining chronicle of a contemporary Indian matchmaking service and as insightful commentary on the lingering dictates of religion and class in modern India…Zama sprinkles his lively narrative with morsels of everyday life and age-old traditions, from marriage and burial rituals to the making of mung-bean crepes—all of which enrich and enliven his simple and engaging plot.”
“Charming…Fans of Alexander McCall Smith’s intrepid Precious Ramotswe are likely to find an equally engaging protagonist in Mr. Ali.”
" Hindu and Muslim customs and traditions in India. A light reading, fun book. "
" Interesting insight in a different culture. Loved the funny mister Ali and his sweet employee Aruna. "
" 3.8... SIMPLE READ... VERY FUNNY... DIDN'T LIKE THAT THE ENDING WAS TOO FAIRY TAILISH "
" What a delightful little gem of a book! It reminded me a lot of the "No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" books. Well written and charming, I can't wait to get my hands on number two of the series! "
" This book is clean and super sweet. I recommend it for anyone who likes a light, fluffy, romance, and exploring new cultures. :) "
" I can't remember when I read this or where I got it, but I really enjoyed this book. The story was funn light, and I learned about a different culture. For some reason it is a story that has stuck with me. "
" didnt really get started with this book.........quite simplistic "
" Reminded me of Baking Cakes in Kiligari. Focused on a young unmarried woman in south Indian who works with a retired couple to open up match making business. There they meet many different characters and learn about love and acceptance. "
" Good read but predictable ending. Enjoyed the insight into Indian culture. "
" This is a very sweet book that provides a glimpse into another culture, but ultimately it's not terribly deep. Good summer reading. "
" Thought this book had great insite to the Indian culture. Slow paced, but nice to know more about a country so different from my own. "
" very funny. very sad. very entertaining. bit of cookery thrown in. "
" since I enjoy (1) books about India and (2) books about arranged marriage, I found this enjoyable. Bonus--apparently there's a sequel! It was an enjoyably light read. "
" Deceptively simple, and utterly charming tale of arranged marriages and a threatening love match in India. "
" Gives interesting insight on modern Indian culture and the differences between religions and classes. Cute story, but lacks a little depth. "
" I thought this was a really interesting book. It is about a matchmaking business in India and it gave a lot of insight into the culture there. "
" I loved this book so much, and I am buying several copies for friends as Christmas books. I just found out there is a sequel! "
" A simple tale with all the emotional peaks (both high and low) removed. Exactly what I was looking for. "
" The best way to describe this book: it was perfect before bed reading. I always wanted to pick it up but after about 1/2 hour, I was ready to put it down and go to sleep. It was okay but not great. "
" This was a fun read! Basically along the lines of chick lit, but with insights into Indian culture. "
" I liked it very much. I recommend it. Cute story. Clean. I learned a little about the culture in India. "
" Loved it! Very gentle and delicious! An uplifting read, very much a similar genre to the wonderful Mma Ramotswe series by Alexander McCall-Smith. I am so glad that Farahad Zama has developed the characters and story lines in two more books! "
" Picked it off the Borders shelf. Arlene liked it "
" A quick and charming read, though ultimately doesn't stick with you afterwards. "
" A fun lend from Marie. Just as the reviews said, a cross between Ladies #1 detective agency and chick lit. No mystery in this book. Interesting insight into Indian culture and traditions. "
" A fictionalize look at arranged marriages brokered by a marriage broker in a modern India that still follows the old customs. Entertaining but also eye opening. "
" Did not enjoy this book at all. It seemed to drag on and on. Also thought that the writing style was very amateur! Kept waiting for something interesting to happen and unfortunately nothing did. "
" This book was a good poolside read. A little predictable but I liked all the information about Indian traditions and customs. It's definitely a different dating world over there and I'm glad I was able to find my own mate over here in the U.S.! "
" Very sweet book....fun and easy read "
" Thoroughly entertaining read, a glimpse into Indian village life, light-hearted, gentle, absolutely charming little book. "
" Tedious and very conventional for an Indian reader.. "
" I was intrigued by the idea of this book, and it was fun to read. It rather reminded me of the #1 Ladies Detective Agency. It was full of small stories, with nothing huge happening. "
" I enjoyed this book but strangely am not completely sure whyIt was more a glimpse into lives rather than a deeply compelling story - the decriptions painted a very clear picture without being overdone or distracting "
" This was such a fun book. "
" This book was a fantastic look into Indian culture, with likable characters and an interesting storyline. "
Tania Rodrigues is a London-based actor and voice artist and an Earphones Award–winning narrator. She brings a unique cultural perspective to her work, coming from a family with roots in India, Portugal, and Britain. She grew up in Hong Kong and has since lived in both the UK and US. She trained at the Drama Studio in London and completed a BA degree with honors in English and drama. She has narrated many award-winning audiobooks, including the Booker Prize winner The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai.
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