Farahad Zama
5/5 stars
In the town of Vizag, India, Mr Ali (tired of being retired) sets up a marriage bureau in his home. Business does so well that he hires an assistant, Aruna, a modest and competent girl whose proud family needs extra income. They can't afford to make a match for Aruna, but love appears in a very unexpected source. Meanwhile, Mr. Ali must deal with an adult son that is prominent in a widely-reported protest, firmly against Mr. Ali's wishes.
This is a charming book. It moves slowly, letting the reader get to know the characters in a way reminiscent of an Austen novel. The marriages arranged through Mr. Ali's help are mentioned, but the main focus is the family relationships of the Ali family, and of Aruna's family. A picture of culture and family life in India is painted, perhaps more idealistically than is true, but in fascinating detail. Reading about the practices of both a Hindu wedding and a Muslim wedding was wonderful. This gentle book was a delight to read, even the second time.
