THE MARRIAGE BUREAU FOR RICH PEOPLE

In a modern city in India, Mr. Ali hangs a sign, places a classified ad, and launches a marriage bureau. Though not an expert in India's ancient custom of matchmaking, Mr. Ali finds quick success because of his tenacity and charming patience. Narrator Tania Rodrigues's gentle tone does little to enhance the novel’s uneventful opening but serves well when the clever Mrs. Ali recruits a new assistant for Mr. Ali—Aruna. From a poor Hindu family, Aruna must forgo her advanced education to earn an income and is unlikely to marry because her family cannot afford a dowry. Rodrigues infuses Aruna's delicate optimism with intelligence and warmth, and adds graceful Indian pronunciations. With Rodrigues's subtle characterizations, this simple story becomes a soothing escape into a fascinating culture. N.M.C. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2009]