Better than the movie!
At times I felt it was so different too. I love how it was interpreted, but I do love the flow
of the story more when reading it.
I actually had to forget what I had seen. The characters they chose for the film seemed
quite different than the book. While some I could connect the dots, others it was hard, so I just let it go and read. I'm glad I did too. I found the book so much more rich in Indian culture. It made me want to go and stay at the Marigold Hotel myself, or even the Hotel Balmoral. I just want to be there.
The story, or rather one specific character, is more racist than I remember in the movie.
'Only a different color skin could get his mojo working. Women like these knew how to
satisfy a man, it was their culture'. Say what?! My mouth hung open for that one. But I'm
glad it didn't put me off or stop me from reading. Those shocking moments, or character
flaws, kind of make the story more real. It's sad, but there is some really racist people out
there.
All in all, if you haven't seen the films or read the book, I suggest starting with the story.
So good. So very good.