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  • The Marriage Bureau for Rich People

  • By: Farahad Zama
  • Narrated by: Tania Rodrigues
  • Length: 10 hrs
  • 4.2 out of 5 stars (308 ratings)

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The Marriage Bureau for Rich People

By: Farahad Zama
Narrated by: Tania Rodrigues
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Publisher's summary

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.

©2008 Farahad Zama (P)2009 Recorded Books, LLC

What listeners say about The Marriage Bureau for Rich People

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    127
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  • 3 Stars
    43
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Story
  • 4 out of 5 stars
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Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Enjoyable but Audible doesn't have rest of series

A predictable read, but enjoyable with the narrator's different voices and insight into some of the many cultures of India. I especially liked the insight into the differences between Hindu and Muslim weddings in India. I was disappointed to find out that Audible does not have the rest of the series as I would like to listen to more.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

A nice gentle story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would definitely recommend it, particularly for someone who likes the Number 1 Ladies Detective Agency Series. While the stories and settings are different there is a gentle tone to the narrative and funny characters to follow.

What did you like best about this story?

it captured a place and a people in a lovely way

Which character – as performed by Tania Rodrigues – was your favorite?

Both the lead character and his assistant were my favorites

Who was the most memorable character of The Marriage Bureau for Rich People and why?

The assistant, she had the most interesting back story and you really rooted for her to find love.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

The Marriage Bureau for Rich People

Very well drawn characters, with wonderful dialogue. I found it difficult to stop listening to this audible recording, as I was fascinated with the evolutionary changes in customs, acceptable gender roles and the impact of the IT revolution on a society. Charming, mildly humorous and hopefully, only the first of this author's body of work.

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15 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful intro to Indian Customs with great story

I knew very little about the wedding and marriage customs in India, other than the weddings are elaborate. But this book with a great story line and great naration, capitvated me. I couldn't stop listening.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Light and Entertaining

Any additional comments?

This was a charming and fun listen. I thoroughly enjoyed it and hope that Book 2 is available at Audible soon.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL

What did you love best about The Marriage Bureau for Rich People?

IN THE SECOND PART ENJOYED THE INNOCENT LOVE STORY THAT ENDED SO WELL, AND OF COURSE THE DOWN TO EARTH ADVICE ON JUST LIVING...

What did you like best about this story?

LOVED MR. AND MRS ALI AND THEIR GOOD COMMON SENSE...THEIR KINDNESSES FELL IN LOVE WITH WHOLE BOOK!!!

Have you listened to any of Tania Rodrigues’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

NO

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

YES

Any additional comments?

DITTO ON COMMENTS ON FIRST PART!!!

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Cute story line!

I really enjoyed this book. Very funny and charming. The narrator was perfect for this book.
I usually read alot of blood and guts and this book was a nice diversion. Plus I love
Indian authors---their humor is fabulous! Worth a credit for sure!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Left Me Smiling

This is not the choice for readers who love a plot-driven book! Zama's story is more like a truck bumping along a dirt road: jolts are small and you get a good view of the surroundings as you pass through. It's a slice-of-life kind of story. I really loved the book and was sorry when it was over. Zama gave me an understanding of a culture I wasn't familiar with, likable characters, and a sweet story. Tania Rodrigues did a terrific job with the Indian accents.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Great story, lesson and love.

I love learning about other cultures, struggles and love. It started a bit slow, but soon into a great story line.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

We all need a feel-good story like this sometimes!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This book is delightful! It is actually a love story, but you don't realize it until the last few chapters. In the meantime, there is all sorts of intriguing information about life in India as a Hindu, a Muslim, and a Christian. The narration is fantastic. It is so good that I felt as if I knew the characters personally. In fact, I wish I really did! I couldn't stop listening!
I enjoyed learning about castes and marriage customs and family values, as well as "the changing India" with more modern times taking over. The progress of the story kept my interest totally. Throughout the entire book, I kept wanting to know what happened to each character. And each situation was resolved artfully by the author, and enhanced by the excellent narration! I actually listened to many sections several times because the turns of phrase were so expressive and interesting to hear!

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Marriage Bureau for Rich People?

The unexpected proposal! (Don't want to ruin it for you!)

What about Tania Rodrigues’s performance did you like?

Her accent and voice are nice to listen to. The pronunciations were interesting and charming. Good expression and emotion. I could easily tell which character was speaking.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I couldn't stop listening. I put it on my iPhone with the audible app and clipped it to me and listened whenever I could! I cried with compassion for Aruna and also for happiness. The excellent narration and the story itself got me really wound up into it. I wish it was 2 or 3 times as long as it is! The family values were so uplifting! And I did laugh at many points in the story.

Any additional comments?

This is a book that will be delightful to listen to, extremely interesting, and will make you feel good! Sometimes we need just such a book in our lives.

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