Much better than the film version

I bought this audio book expecting it to be almost identical to the film version; figuring that the book would only have been slightly adapted for the transition to the big screen. However the book is far more richly detailed with some of the characters' life stories differing widely from the film portrayal. Both book and film are enjoyable but I would highly recommend the book.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Quite different from the film

I enjoyed this book, it was gentle listening, not gripping. Lots of differences from the film.

LOTS of characters, not a good book if you're easily confused - I had to relisten to parts!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Better than the film

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

Poignant expat story

What did you like best about this story?

The characterisation is very well done, each individual becomes dear to the readers heart after a few paragraphs.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

I can't pick out any, they were all enjoyable.

Any additional comments?

A very gentle book, everyday conflicts taken overseas to make a great read.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Much better than the film

I didn't think I'd like this book because I thought the film was bilge, but the film bears little resemblance to the book. Good narration.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Better than the film

So much better than the film. More depth to the story and more pathos. A really good listen.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

13 people found this helpful

Great story, so-so narrator

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

Not sure I would listen to this again, but I would read the book again. It's a great story, full of humour, believable, likeable characters and themes that affect us all - old age, family relationships, inter-generational conflicts, racism, ideas of home, what we want out of life. But it's done with a light touch and is very well paced. The trouble with the audio is that Nina Wadia just doesn't quite get the narration right. She's pretty good on different voices for the dialogue, but she mangles the meaning of the non-dialogue parts and that makes it difficult sometimes to follow what's going on. Did she practice this before she read it? Sometimes it sounds like she's just picked the book up and started reading without any preparation!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

I Preferred the film

While I did enjoy the book, it is more comprehensive in its back stories of all the characters, I have to be honest and say I enjoyed the films more. The film has played around with the story somewhat but I think the characters in the film were more likeable.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

A lovely tale

I read this having already seen the film, and although there were many differences I thoroughly enjoyed it. The film was obviously adapted to allow for length and general acceptance, but the original in book form added pathos to the story.
I loved the characters, and the whole concept of a retirement home being set in India. A really good read, eliciting sympathy joy and laughter. Lovely!!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

3 people found this helpful

Old India in post raj days

What a wonderful collection of old people are assembled by Deborah Moggach who are not being ripped off by the eager young Indian entrepreneur who has a surprising caring nature. They follow their paths that are, one feels, already laid down by their history to date and meet with well deserved ends. Delightful and thought provoking

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

An enjoyable read but not like the film

I'm not sure why they bothered to release this book with the film cover and title. For one thing the plot differences are huge and for another the hotel in the book isn't even called the Exotic Marigold Hotel. Nevertheless I enjoyed the quirky cast of characters and the snapshots of their lives although I did feel the end was a little rushed.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful