Book Review – The Many Conditions of Love

Second Book in The Marriage Bureau for Rich People Series

Nov 1, 2009

Farahad Zama once again takes readers to the Indian city of Vizag in this charming story about the complicated nature of love, romance and family responsibilities.

In The Marriage Bureau for Rich People (Abacus, 2009), Farahad Zama introduced Mr Ali and his marriage agency. The Many Conditions of Love (Abacus, 2009) continues the story, focusing on Mr Ali’s son Rehman and his secretary Aruna.

The Many Conditions of Love

Mr Ali’s marriage bureau is doing well and his relationship with his son is improving, however there is trouble on the horizon in Vizag as Rehman, a Muslim, falls in love with the beautiful reporter Usha, a Hindu. There are relationship difficulties for Aruna as well, who finds that life in her husband’s home is not quite what she expected.

In addition to the romantic relationship dramas, there are troubles for Rehman’s friend Mr Naidu, an elderly farmer caring for his orphaned grandson Vasu and for Rehman’s cousin Pari, a young widow easing her way back into everyday life after her period of mourning.

Touching, amusing, entertaining and insightful, The Many Conditions of Love continues where The Marriage Bureau for Rich People ended, once again highlighting the complex nature of married relationships in India but also offering a fascinating glimpse into Indian life particularly focusing on the difference between the rich and poor and the plight of the Indian cotton farming community.

In the final pages, extracts from Mrs Ali’s English Essays offer readers insight into the issues raised during the novel, ranging from the difficulties faced by Indian cotton farmers to protocol for giving wedding gifts and everyday family matters.

Financial and Religious Differences in Indian Marriages

Through the romance between Rehman and Usha, Zama shows how difficult it can be for couples from different religious backgrounds in India to find acceptance of their relationships within the communities and even within their own family.

The more significant relationship issue highlighted in The Many Conditions of Love is the complications brought about by partners from different financial backgrounds. This is an issue for both Rehman and Usha and Aruna and her husband Ramanujam.

For Aruna, insecurity about her own poor background in contrast to the wealth of her husband’s family leads her to be more sensitive to the hurtful comments made by her sister-in-law, who in turn is struggling to accept Aruna’s new role within the family.

Farahad Zama

Farahad Zama was born in Vizag on the Eastern coast of India in 1966. After obtaining a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Engineering at Kharagpur, near Kolkata, he moved to Mumbai to work for an investment bank. An arranged marriage to a Vizag girl soon followed.

His career took him to several major international cities leading eventually to six months in London. Sixteen years later, Zama and his wife still live in South London with their two sons.

Zama is currently working on a third novel, Not All Marriages are Made in Heaven.

A Wonderful Sequel to The Marriage Bureau for Rich People

A refreshing change from standard chick lit scenarios, Zama invites readers to identify with a group of very real, relatable characters and their everyday joys and struggles with their relationships, family and jobs. The Many Conditions of Love deftly weaves entertainment with fascinating information about everyday Indian life.

Charmingly told and with enough substance to hold the reader’s attention and keep pages turning, The Many Conditions of Love will delight readers who wanted to know more about the diverse and interesting cast of characters Zama introduced in The Marriage Bureau for Rich People.

The copyright of the article Book Review – The Many Conditions of Love in World Literatures is owned by Susan Whelan. Permission to republish Book Review – The Many Conditions of Love in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.