Sometimes, you can’t judge a book by its cover, but in the case of Farahad Zama’s The Marriage Bureau for Rich People, the richly-designed jacket is the perfect embodiment of the delightful story inside. This is the captivating, but understated, story of Mr. Ali, a restless retired government worker who, when his wife becomes fed-up with his meddling in her daily household duties, decides to open a marriage bureau. Add in Mr. Ali’s government-protesting son; the bureau’s assistant Aruna, whose quiet demeanor shields her wise and frustrated soul; and a colorful mix of clients, neighbors, and relatives– and you have a rich kaleidoscope of plots and subplots on the importance of making the “right match.” It is the kind of book that should be read on a summer afternoon, relaxing on a porch or terrace, as a warm breeze coaxes your transport to modern-day India.
Peppered with insights on a country still working through complicated issues of class, politics, and religion, the book will feed your appetite for something more substantive than summer fluff. But at the core, it is a charming romance novel you won’t want to put down.
Tags: Books
