Unmarriageable: A Novel

I admit it: I’m a sucker for Pride and Prejudice (Austen’s original and all filmed versions, even if a scene or two is thrown in for, um, effect), and my wildest dreams included a novel like Unmarriageable: Pride and Prejudice in Pakistan by Sonial Kamal. I’ve been around South Asian communities for two decades, I’ve written for an Indian magazine for nearly as long, and I love the spectacle and unabashedly larger-than-life qualities of Hindi films. So, when I learned that someone saw how perfectly Austen’s story could be translated into the Pakistani culture without losing integrity or fidelity and flourishing brilliantly while retaining the color, energy, and particulars of life in 2000, there was only one thing to do: Get my hands on that book.The Binat Family – Barkat (Bark) and Pinkie and their five daughters, Jenazba, Alysba, Marizba, Qittyara, and Lady – under the veil of a certain scandal at the hands of Bark’s brother, had been relegated to a boondocky family home in the town of Dilipabad (named for the famous Hindi film actor, Dilip Kumar). There, while Bark putters in his garden, Jena and Alys teach school as a means toward family income. The two eldest daughters, despite their contributions to the welfare of the family and to the community, are embarrassments to their histrionic (albeit rather typical in South Asian literary and cinematic offerings) mother, who wails and moans about their age and perpetual state of singlehood. Alys, however, is adamant that no woman needs marriage or a man, and she believes her purpose is to educate her students about self-sufficiency before they’re whisked off on the wedding train and saddled with motherhood.When an invitation to a fabulous wedding arrives, Pinkie sees it as an opportunity to strut her unmarried offspring, hoping that someone (well-off, of course) will scoop them up in a heartbeat and take them to be their happily-ever-after partners. Optimism looms brightly in the case of Jena, who meets the dashing-but-shy Fahad “Bungles” Bingla, a young man pressed tightly under his sisters’ judgemental thumbs. Concurrently, Alys’s sensibilities are rubbed rough and raw by a snit of a dandy named Valentine “Val” Darsee, who views the Binat family as less than worth his time.From there the story unfolds cleverly and beautifully, retaining the verve of Austen’s Bennet Family and the lessons learned over the course of the tale. Kamal’s writing is crisp, clean, and filled with good humor, and even if a reader has never seen a Hindi film (this novel would make an extraordinary mini-series!), the work stands on its own as an enjoyable romp through manners, class, and sisterhood. When looking for something to read that falls into the categories of delightful, amusing, clever, fun, enjoyable, or highly readable, this is the book you’ll want.

My feelings about this book have been very mixed & confusing. I wasn't sure I liked the book very much at first. I am an English speaking (only) American and my only introduction into Muslim culture, Pakistan, or the history of the Partition came from watching the "Ms. Marvel" series on Disney+... so the first part of this book was hard for me to plow through with all of the unfamiliar terms, mystifying names of strange pieces of clothing, mysterious & strange foods I'd never heard of, and reading about the different customs of life lived in Pakistan. I thought the beginning part of the book was interesting but very slow going. I tried to look some things up but it became really time consuming to look up every word that I didn't know. I was thankful for the English translations provided next the foreign (to me) phrases.And the vicious arguments and comments between some of the characters!??!! I was taken aback by that. I didn't think that the main character, Alys Binat, was very likable at first either. Her character seemed more bitter, sarcastic & cutting in her remarks & views than Jane Austen's Elizabeth Bennet was. Lizzy Bennet was witty, vivacious, intelligent, & mischievous. Alys Binat was none of those things. Her remarks didn't show wit or cleverness, but more of a bold impulsiveness and no filter. She had her own agenda that she peddled whenever she could and she could be super annoying, bossy, and self -righteous at times.I did enjoy the second half of the book much more than the beginning with all the wedding events. It was easier to read and I felt it flowed better. I do wish that the Darsee & Alys relationship had been more developed ... something just felt like it was missing there. I think I will have to read this book again sometime to really appreciate it better. Jane Austen's "Pride & Prejudice" is one of my favorite books. There aren't too many modern reimagined P&P stories available so I have been looking forward to reading this book for awhile now. It was different than I had imagined but that's not necessarily a bad thing. It's hard for me to put into words. I definitely recommend reading this book... 4 stars.

Awesome book! A version of Pride and Prejudice set in Pakistan, and a really interesting depiction on how the culture resembles one similar to Austen's time of writing. Arrived in decent time, and the paperback was in great condition when it came

The story as the title suggests is Pride & Prejudice set in Pakistan, but never did it feel boring, or repetitive. The characters written and portrayed are fresh, distinctive and with the Desi touch so very realistic. It's funny, witty and everything what Jane Austen fans like. Worth every minute! Such a refreshing and amazing book.Unmarriageable by Soniah Kamal is an adaptation of the classic Pride & Prejudice set in modern Pakistan. Told with wry wit, Unmarriageable is a charming update on Jane Austen’s beloved novel and an exhilarating exploration of love, marriage, class, and sisterhood.Alys, the second and most practical of the five Binat daughters, has found happiness teaching English literature to schoolgirls. Knowing that many of her students won’t make it to graduation before dropping out to marry and have children, Alys teaches them about Jane Austen and her other literary heroes and hopes to inspire the girls to dream of more. An absolute delight to read for Jane Austen fans. 5/5

I never finish books, end up getting bored halfway. But not here...couldn’t wait to sit on the train and read it. This was such a light, fun and fresh read. A great adaptation on Jane Austen and one people from western backgrounds / unfamiliar with Pakistan could understand too. Funny, witty, excellent, put a smile on my face during a difficult time in my life

Great read, learned a lot about an unfamiliar culture. Lovely story

This is an entertaining novel, modeled on Jane Austin but placed in an Indian milieu. The transferred names are a bit obvious but the twists in the plot keep one interested throughout.