Jana Bibi's Excellent Fortunes: A Novel (Jana Bibi Adventures, 1)

A delightful recreation of Indian Hill Station personalities based on the author's school-age experiences. Shops and shopkeepers, ex-pats and tourists, American embassy and missionary TCKs, snobby Delhi and school matrons, rickshaw and charcoal, tea and samosa, rain and mudslides....every part acutely observed. Thanks Betsy!

I laughed. I got teary eyed. I laughed again and again.The setting -- a town in northern India near the Himalayas -- is vividly portrayed. The characters are memorable and engaging. More than the plot, which kept me guessing, I was charmed by the way of life, the attitude toward life. Think The Exotic Marigold Hotel. Think the First Ladies Detective Series.This is book one of a three book series. I just ordered the other two.

This book is a quick read and appropriate for all age groups. The heroine is a 59 -year old Scotswoman who decided to stay in India after her missionary husband died. She leads an unconventional and interesting life, making friends with some local merchants who themselves have their own stories of estrangement from their childhood homes. She has a pet parrot that figures prominently in the various adventures Jana Bibi has. Set in the foothills of the Himalayas, it has enough of India to please but without the dirt, grime and disrepair so prevalent. The author lived for 10 years in India as a child and comes at her subject with a fresh flair and easy writing style. Can't wait to read the second book in the series.

I loved Jana Bib's Excellent Fortunes, by Betsy Woodman. The story held together by itself, but the details of India in the 50s made it lively and real. It was light hearted and a page turner. I've read so many sincere, dreary and depressing books lately, that Jana Bibi was a breath of fresh air. It was beautifully written, but the writing was incidental to the story. I wanted to know how each scene would resolve itself and the happy ending suited me. There are so many expressions in Hindi; Urdu etc., that the glossary was helpful, but the meaning of most terms used were explained in context. Woodman's insight into people and how they behave is sharp.

I was enjoying this book once I was able to sort out the unfamiliar Indian names/words. Until the end. I felt like suddenly the author noticed she was either running out of time or paper and decided it was time to wrap it up. The ending was just to convenient when all is well without any real reason explained. I mean the police chief was suddenly a good guy when his son speaks without any apparent effort. The dam planning is over at the same time. Just to easy. Up til that point a good story being told about a part of the world I am not familiar with. I doubt I will read her next book.

Jana Bibi is one of the most delightful books I have come across! It deals lovingly and yet clearly with the everyday life of expatriots living in India. The characters are wonderfully and realistically drawn (with only a little hyperbole!) and their predicaments and attempted solutions are totally in character with the India we know and love. There is a very helpful glossary at the back with good explanations of some of the words and phrases that will not be familiar to most American readers. I look forward to more from Ms. Woodman.

"Jana Bibi's Excellent Fortunes" is a delightful story. Betsy Woodman's writing style flows smoothly, going through the both subtle and dramatic plot changes with grace and vigor. It is never slow, it is never choppy. The characters are given a wonderful individuality, humorous on the surface but with a depth that reflects the diversity of Indian culture. My favorite, likely to be the same for many, is the parrot Mr. Ganguly. His humanity keeps one reminded that this is fiction to be enjoyed for its skimming above reality from time to time.

I like books that are a bit different with complex characters. The cast of misfits that intertwine in this story makes it unique. The bird was a neat part of the story as well. It was also refreshing that the main character is a middle ages woman standing on her own doing what she wants.

What a great uplifting read

I bought this book because it was recommended on a Blog. Wow! What a delightful read. I’ve spent time in India and reading this beautiful story of this village and its kind and respectful people, Jana Bibi, Ganguly her magical parrot, the shopkeepers, the hotel, the police chief and every layer of its community - reminded me of the special culture of the Indian people that I experienced there. In fact this wonderful book enabled me to remember fondly so many moments and memories in a new light with deeper understanding. You will love this book if you like me, yearn for a better world for us all. I just wanted to hug every character.

This book is a true flavour of a small town I spent a few years in going to an American boarding school. It evoked memories I had forgotten and the characters of the small stores came to life again. I laughed and became nostalgic at the same time. This book is not about a riveting plot but about day to day life in a small town and the characters who live in the town. Perfect with a pot of tea on a day of rest.

Old stock received. But the story is very interesting.