Book Club/Movie Club Guide: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

In 2004, Deborah Moggach published a novel titled These Foolish Things, a character-driven story about a group of British retirees who move to India in search of affordable and dignified care. The novel caught the attention of filmmakers, and in 2012 it was adapted into the popular film The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.

While both the book and movie share the same core premise—aging Brits finding new purpose in India—the tone, characters, and themes differ significantly. (You can read more in my book review and movie review of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.)

Both versions make excellent picks for a travel-themed book club or movie night—and for an extra-special event, consider combining the two: read the book and follow it up with a screening of the film!

Book Publish Year: 2004
Movie Release Year: 2012
Rating: PG-13
Book Genre: Fiction
Movie Genre: Comedy
Location(s) Featured: Bangalore, India (Book); Jaipur, India (Movie)

Book Club Discussion Question For The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel/These Foolish Things:

1. The book’s original title was These Foolish Things. Where do you think that phrase comes from, and what does it suggest about the story or characters? Why do you think the title was changed for the film? Which title do you prefer?
2. How does the story change by being set in India? Would the emotional or thematic impact be the same if the characters moved to a different country?
3. What makes the experience of British retirees moving to India unique? How might the story differ if the characters were from another nationality?
4. Which character’s journey resonated with you most?
5. How does the book approach aging? Did anything surprise you about how later life is portrayed?
6. The book has been described as a “dark comedy.” Did you find it humorous, satirical, or bleak? How do you define dark comedy?
7. There are frequent moments of racism and ageism. Do you think they reflect reality, or are they exaggerated for effect?
8. What issues faced by the elderly are highlighted in the book?
9. Were you surprised by the book’s ending?
10. Would you ever consider retiring abroad—perhaps somewhere like Bangalore?

Movie Club Discussion Questions for The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel:

1. Which character do you think experienced the most meaningful transformation?
2. Have you ever felt changed by a trip, like some of the characters in the film?
3. Several themes related to aging were featured in the movie including: transitions; images of aging; fears; life review; healing, forgiveness; life completion; new beginnings; love and sexuality; mentoring and intergenerational relationships. How did the movie present those themes?
4. Sonny often says: “Everything will be alright in the end… and if it’s not alright, it’s not the end.” What do you think of this philosophy?
5. The film has a stellar ensemble cast, yet Maggie Smith was the one recognized with awards. Would you consider her the star? Why or why not?
6. The film industry is often said to favor younger actors. Do you think movies like The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel are changing that narrative?
7. Did the movie change how you think about your own retirement plans?
8. How would the story have been different if the characters had been American?
9. Were you surprised at the ending? (The hotel? The divorce? Sonny and Sunaina?)
10. Why do you think India was chosen as the locale? How would the story have been different if it was set somewhere else?

Suggested Questions for Those that Have Both Read the Book AND Seen the Movie:

If you’ve read the book and seen the film, here are a few extra questions to deepen the discussion:

1. Which did you prefer—the book or the movie? Which did you experience first, and do you think that influenced your opinion?
2. Which change in storyline surprised you the most? Was there a story in the movie you wished had been in the book or vice versa?
3. There are some characters that appear in the book that don’t appear in the movie (Teresa, Keith, Dorothy) and some characters that appear in the movie and not in the book (Sunaina, Sonny’s mother). How do they affect the stories and themes? What did they bring to the story?
4. Norman’s storyline is significantly different between the book and film. Which version felt more satisfying to you?
5. Did the actors match your mental image of the characters while reading?

Book and Movie Club Activity Ideas:

Make your discussion even more immersive with these themed ideas:

• Order in Indian food or host your meeting at an Indian restaurant.
• Play Hindi music or the movie’s soundtrack as you discuss.
• If you want to be really extra, watch The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and discuss how it compares to the book/first movie.
• Decorate with vibrant Indian colors, photos of Bangalore, or images from the movie set,
• Serve chai tea and Indian snacks during your meeting.