This is a really delightful book. When I checked it out at the library the jacket of the audiobook said it was similar to Alexander McCall Smith's stories. It did definitely remind me of his books as it has gentle humor and an overall spirit of good will and humanity. The main character, Mr. Ali and his wife are Muslims. Mr. Ali is retired and wants something to do, hopefully that will make him a little money. I don't remember how he comes up with the idea of a marriage bureau. After a time he needs an assistant and he hires a young Hindu woman. His clientele is Muslim, Hindu and Christian. I only wish everyone had the spirit of cheerful goodwill exemplified by Mr. and Mrs. Ali and others in this book. This delightful slower paced story reminded me very much of Alexander McCall Smith's books on Botswana. Along with delightful characters you are treated to everyday family life in India from both Muslim and Hindu sides. Mr. Ali has retired and he is driving him wife crazy by hanging around the house. He decides to open a marriage bureau to match men and women in the traditional arranged marriage way. But tradition is changing in India and all arrangements all not that traditional. Warm, funny and also heartbreaking. My only regret is that I only discovered this series and other copies of the series are hard to find.
Sweet and light, but interesting look at marriage in contemporary India.
—olivia
Lively and filled with wonderful personalities!
—Joe
First in a series of three.
—Jessie
Funny, sweet, insightful.
—tia
