Don't expect the same story as the movie

When I went to look for this book I looked for These Foolish Things, but the title was changed to the movie's title. The publishers should have kept the first title as the movie was only LOOSLY based on the book, with the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel hardly getting a mention. I LOVED the movie, but I had difficulty staying focused with the book. Lots more characters with stories different from the movie. Maybe if I had read the book first, I would have it enjoyed it more as the reader got to know the background of the residents and their families. So, if you haven't seen the movie or can separate the two if you have, have a go and enjoy an interesting book about what it means to grown old in the 21st Century. And by the way, Nina Wadia did a fantastic job of reading the story, with lots of interesting voices.

4 people found this helpful

Witty, Satisfying, Affectionate - Highly Enjoyable

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved all the characters, and enjoyed the different points of view the book offered, from the exhausted Dr. Ravi Kapoor and his conflicted wife Pauline, to the sometimes scary and confidence crushing view of life and society and filial expectations from Norman, the obnoxious, farting & somewhat self deluding father/father in law. Each character has an interesting background story which is explored in the course of the book. I have not watched the film (but looking at the trailers this appears to be a much more detailed and satisfying novel, and seems quite different) .

The characters find plenty of adventure (these are septuagenarians, but as one said "70 is the new 40") against the backdrop of the modern bustling Hi Tech Bangalore, juxtaposed with legless beggars and rag pickers, and the dilapidated Dunroaming Hotel where the staff are older and more infirm than the residents.

I want to relate things that made me chuckle out loud (or whip the Ipod out of the Dock least young ears hear the graphic story of ... oh but that would give away an unexpected subplot). This novel has humour and colour in abundance, it has the unloved finding love, the unwanted finding respect, the meek finding confidence.

I did think one bit of the ending a tad contrived, and not sure why it was included, but on the whole this was an excellent fast paced novel. Definitely a keeper.

The narration is superb. Nina Wadia invokes the humour with a slight lift of tone, or the bewildering (like poor Evelyn's confusion about the call centre) with just the right deft touch.

2 people found this helpful

Very engrossing story

India as a location for such novelty and adventure unrivalled. Well done and a good read on this subject great.

1 person found this helpful

A delight

This is an "easy read", but that doesn't mean it loses any points for a quality storyline, enjoyability & worthiness. It is a nice (almost but not quite) family style story, I can see why someone thought to make it into a film.

This is the book I'll recommend both to friends who prefer literary fiction & to others who prefer lighter fiction.

Very enjoyable, great characters, great narration. Marvellous story.

1 person found this helpful

Great story!

Would you listen to The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel again? Why?

Yes, the characters were so rich, that I'm sure a second time around you'll find and hear even more interesting bits.

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

No

Any additional comments?

It was so much more than I expected and I laughed and cried with the characters. I was blown away by Nina's performance!

1 person found this helpful

Good listen

If you could sum up The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel in three words, what would they be?

Enjoyable pleasant honest

What other book might you compare The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel to and why?

None. It's different.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

Yes it did.

If you could take any character from The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel out to dinner, who would it be and why?

I would have dinner with all the characters because that was the essence of the story. Can't single out one.

much better than the movie

Where does The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

it would be near the top!

What did you like best about this story?

i like all the interlinked stories and i loved that it was about older people

Which character – as performed by Nina Wadia – was your favorite?

couldnt pick one

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

-the hidden stories of your grandparents

My New Best Favourite Read [ listen} Again xx

What made the experience of listening to The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel the most enjoyable?

The story was well written and descriptive , therefore lending itself to audio beautifully...

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel?

Norman's demise stands out! because his character was so well crafted I disliked him immensely ..

Who was the most memorable character of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and why?

Just loved them all because they were well written... even Norman..

Any additional comments?

I saw the movie after listening to the audio.... loved the movie... charming....sanitised version loosely based on book.. great cast. worth seeing.. but will relisten once more ..