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Loading... These Foolish Things (2004)by Deborah Moggach
 bookwoman247 | May 9, 2013 |  It’s not often that I will say that a movie is better than the book it is based on, that is the case with The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. The flavor of India is better depicted in the visual medium, and the relationships between the characters seem to be better developed and understood. The excellent cast is surely the reason behind the success of the movie. That being said, the book is still enjoyable and the characters, though not all likeable, are at least entertaining. The premise of the book – out-sourcing your elderly citizens to another country for retirement – is an interesting one and open to further debate. The book is definitely worth reading, but then be sure to see the movie. (  ) Maydacat | Apr 30, 2013 | Because of the movie and the wonderful cast , I read this book. I doubt if the movie follows the book very closely. Havn't seen the movie. Because I am of that age... I found myself thinking ouch as I read the story. Fairly predictable. (  ) librarian1204 | Apr 26, 2013 | Excellent bitter-sweet story which ends just as it's getting interesting. I think I may have to see the movie version of this one! (  ) GTTexas | Apr 1, 2013 | meh. Tells of a plan to set up an English retirement home in Bangalore, taking advantage of the low costs, the availability of staff and the better weather to entice a group of old people out of their unhappy situations and to try something new in the last stage of their life. It all felt just a little far-fetched. The characters struck me as slightly two dimensional and stereotyped. the energetic retired couple, the cockney who'd never moved away from her street, the solitary women - be that by death or lack of partner and Norman, who (inadvertently) starts the whole thing. He, with his blue jokes, general coarseness, casual racism and sexism put me in my of my not sorely missed grandfather. I didn't like him (or his cut from the same cloth friends) very much either. It all seemed a little bit predictable, from the finding love in strange places to the life can start again whatever age you are messages. Maybe you have to be either a very long way from dealing with this to find it at all amusing, I found it kept falling a bit flat. ( ) Helenliz | Mar 31, 2013 |
To be honest, I’d never heard of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (or even These Foolish Things as it was originally titled) until Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Maggie Smith and a whole host of other famous faces made it a big screen success. Of course, with a cast like that failure isn’t really an option, but would the book live up to my high expectations after belly laughing my way through the movie? The good news is the paper version is sufficiently different to the screenplay that you don’t feel like they’re reinventing the wheel. But the basis of the story is the same; a group of seventy-somethings who up sticks and leave the UK to spend their twilight years at the ultimate retirement home – the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel in Bangalore, Southern India. This overseas retreat might not quite live up to the OAP oasis its guests expect; but as their tales unfold and begin to intertwine, they each discover a very individual affection for their new found home and the people they encounter there. Take Norman Purse, the very definition of a dirty old man. Thrown out of countless residential homes for inappropriate behaviour he is the inspiration behind the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, set up by his long suffering son in law Ravi and Ravi’s cousin Sonny. Then there’s Evelyn Greenslade, a rather timid widow who has barely made a decision in her life – until now that is. Dotty Dorothy Miller, who was born and brought up in India, and Jean and Douglas Ainslie, a ‘happily’ married couple who thrive on adventure. Last but by no means least, Muriel Donnelly; one of the Marigold’s most unlikely residents. Her aversion to ‘darkies’ isn’t quite as deep routed as her conviction that India will lead her to Keith - the prodigal son, on the run after some dodgy dealings went wrong. Add a few more eccentric characters to the mix, a pinch of sadness, a good helping of humour and a love interest or two and hey presto –you‘ve got yourself a winner.
References to this work on external resources.
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Wikipedia in English
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Although they don't find what they expect, many find something even more rewarding.
I really enjoyed the humor as well as the poignant moments. As nrearly is always the case, the book was even better than the movie. (