Unmarriageable: A Novel

By Soniah Kamal

“This inventive retelling of Pride and Prejudice charms.”—People
 
“A fun, page-turning romp and a thought-provoking look at the class-obsessed strata of Pakistani society.”—NPR

Alys Binat has sworn never to marry—until an encounter with one Mr. Darsee at a wedding makes her reconsider.

A scandal and vicious rumor concerning the Binat family have destroyed their fortune and prospects for desirable marriages, but 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.

When an invitation arrives to the biggest wedding their small town has seen in years, Mrs. Binat, certain that their luck is about to change, excitedly sets to work preparing her daughters to fish for rich, eligible bachelors. On the first night of the festivities, Alys’s lovely older sister, Jena, catches the eye of Fahad “Bungles” Bingla, the wildly successful—and single—entrepreneur. But Bungles’s friend Valentine Darsee is clearly unimpressed by the Binat family. Alys accidentally overhears his unflattering assessment of her and quickly dismisses him and his snobbish ways. As the days of lavish wedding parties unfold, the Binats wait breathlessly to see if Jena will land a proposal—and Alys begins to realize that Darsee’s brusque manner may be hiding a very different man from the one she saw at first glance.

Told with wry wit and colorful prose, Unmarriageable is a charming update on Jane Austen’s beloved novel and an exhilarating exploration of love, marriage, class, and sisterhood.

Praise for Unmarriageable

“Delightful . . . Unmarriageable introduces readers to a rich Muslim culture. . . . [Kamal] observes family dramas with a satiric eye and treats readers to sparkling descriptions of a days-long wedding ceremony, with its high-fashion pageantry and higher social stakes.”—Star Tribune

“Thoroughly charming.”—New York Post

“[A] funny, sometimes romantic, often thought-provoking glimpse into Pakistani culture, one which adroitly illustrates the double standards women face when navigating sex, love, and marriage. This is a must-read for devout Austenites.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

• Language: English
• Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
• Release date: Jan 22, 2019
• ISBN: 9781524799724

Soniah Kamal

Soniah Kamal is an award-winning writer whose debut novel was a finalist for the Townsend Prize for Fiction and the KLF French Fiction Prize. Her work has appeared in many publications including the New York Times, The Guardian and Buzzfeed. She was born in Pakistan, grew up in England and Saudi Arabia and currently resides in the US.

Reviews for Unmarriageable

[bibliovermis · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Just one thing about this retelling of Pride & Prejudice kept taking me out of it—it's ridiculous that it takes place in a world where Pride & Prejudice not only exists, but the main character is extremely familiar with it. If your life starts imitating a favorite book in every detail, down to the names of the people you know, you'd think you might notice!

[kgramer-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A thoroughly enjoyable adaptation of "Pride and Prejudice." The characters and their interactions were on point, true to the original while being completely themselves. Loved it.

[milliehennessy · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This is a passable P&P retelling for me, but there was nothing really stand-out for me. Yes, it was interesting in that it was set in Pakistan. However a lot of the cultural views (at least, as depicted in this book and set in 2000-2001 Pakistan) were similar to those of Austen's England in terms of societal views on marriage, women's rights, etc. So it didn't actually feel all that modern. Maybe that was the point...but it left me wanting some other twist to counteract that. I wasn't particularly attached to any of the characters. I felt like the story followed the original so closely, scene-for-scene practically, that it didn't really bring much to the table. Maybe my standards are high for Austen adaptations, but this one just didn't grab me, unfortunately.

[ridgewaygirl · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Set in modern day Pakistan, this is a retelling of Pride & Prejudice. It follows the book it's based on very closely, which makes for a less interesting book, but I enjoyed it as a light diversion from the news of the day. Kamal's writing is clear and doesn't interrupt the flow of the story.

[tjsjohanna_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A rarity in the P&P retelling world, this is a literary novel in the best sense. There are layers of connection between the original and the translated tale. For a Pakistani, I imagine the myriad names and traditions and allusions would give this novel even more richness. I enjoyed seeing how Ms. Kamal made Jane's story relevant in a different country and time period. Well done!

[nancyjcbs · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I would characterize Unmarriageable as a romantic comedy. But it's also a look at the elite of Pakistan. The protagonist, Alys, is one of five very different sisters living in a small town after their father was defrauded by his brother. They have lived abroad and Alys is modern and forward-thinking. Their mother's only goal in life is to marry her daughters to worthy men.The sisters couldn't be more different. That aspect alone was comical. There's obvious love between them but also disdain for beliefs and choices. There's also romance which is both predictable (but still enjoyable) and unexpected.I would recommend this book for readers looking for an easy read and a twist on women's fiction. I received a copy of this book as part of the LibraryThing Early Reviewers thanks to Random House Publishing Group.

[thedivineoomba · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Pride and Prejudice set in Pakistan. Its a great book. Its not perfect, there is a definite message, and in certain spots, it tends to overpower the story. Also, the author is writing to a non-Pakistan audience. It shows, some cultural aspects are over explained, pulling a reader from the book. And, it is very obviously Pride and Prejudice, even down to names.However, its sweet. You can't help but want Alys and Mr. Darsee to hook up, and the author is kinder to her leading ladies, everybody is happy at the end, even silly Mrs. Binat. When reading this book, the question is not how does the book end, but what do the characters do to get there.

[alanab_26 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I just finished the book Unmarriageable and enjoyed all the Pakistani references to the Jane Austen novel Pride and Prejudice. I also enjoyed seeing how the author was able to draw parallels between the two cultures. I thought the book was well-written and interesting. Overall, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to others.

[whiskeyinthejar-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

3.5 starsI received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.“Just remember,” Alys said quietly, “there is more to life than getting married and having children.”Set in Pakistan in 2000-01, Unmarriageable, was a fun, thoughtful retelling of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Alys is our Elizabeth Bennet, the Binat family name is old and respected but when Alys' father is swindled by his brother, they fall to genteel poverty. Alys and her older sister Jena become teachers to help the family out and when readers enter the story, Alys is teaching Pride and Prejudice to her 9th grade all girls class. This led to a great beginning where the author was able to show the similarities between English Pride and Prejudice culture and the current Pakistani culture Alys and her sisters were experiencing. “You can afford to be undiplomatic,”Alys said. “People let people like you get away with anything.”“You know what your glaring fault is?” Darsee said.Alys glared at him. “Do tell.”“You take great pride in hearing only what you want to hear, and then you're smug about your interpretation.”All the hallmarks of Pride and Prejudice is known and enjoyed for are reworked into this book, Alys overhearing Valentine Darsee speak ill of her sets off the contentious but can't quite leave each other alone sparking relationship reader's will enjoy. Alys and Darsee have meaningful engagements that don't waste their time on the page as they travail through interacting and learning about each other. “O'Connor, Austen, Alcott, Wharton. Characters' emotions and situations are universally applicable across cultures, whether you're wearing an empire dress, shalwar kurta, or kimono.”This follows very closely to the outline of its inspiration, the Binat (Bennet) sisters and mother just about steal the show with their family antics and relationship. Wickaam makes his dastardly appearance and Alys' bestfriend Sherry (Charlotte) has a strong showing, I thought this author gave the character an even stronger performance and reworked her into someone who will have the reader more empathetic and understanding towards. There were also some references and Easter eggs of Austen's other works that were delightful to find.“[...] Never in my life had I thought anyone would refuse to marry me. Never had I imagined that what I was bringing to the table would not outweigh my flaws. Time had turned me into that person, but that is not who I want to be. Sometimes we lose sight of ourselves, but you see me, Alys, and you force me to see myself.”I thought the first half flowed a bit better than the second, until more towards the ending; there were some time gaps and more Binat family than Darsee and Alys. What the star of the novel was though, how people no matter their religion or culture just want to live, love, be happy, and get our mothers off our backs. This was also great for individuals to have some introduction to Pakistani culture and recommend some books that might have missed more Western focused readers. Alys thinks in the book: It was a truth universally acknowledged, Alys suddenly thought with a smile, that people enter our lives in order to recommend reads. Let me recommend this one to you all.

[ecataldi-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I adored this! This may be my favorite retelling of Pride and Prejudice yet!! Set in Pakistan in 2000, Alys Binat and her older sister Jena are considered spinsters at the ages of 30 and 31. Since their family's "fall from grace" they've defied cultural norms by teaching at a local English speaking school. Single and teaching! Their mother is positively aghast but they need the extra income. When their family scores an invitation to the city's most anticipated wedding their mother is sure that they can find wealthy men. I could go on but really it's the exact same plot of Pride and Prejudice with different cultural markers, names, food, and modern day variations. I loved it. I would love if they made a Sense and Sensibility set in Pakistan. This was so much fun!!

[ronincats · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved this book! Being a huge Pride and Prejudice fan, I am justifiably wary of retellings, but this is the best I've ever read. The major reason is that the author has set the novel in a modern culture that right now reflects all the major social issues in Regency England in terms of class, money, and the options open to women. As she uses Austen's story to continue to explore these issues, she introduces us to the wealth of Pakistani culture (oh, the food!!) and postcolonial issues as well for a rich, compelling and entertaining story.I received a complimentary copy of this book through the Early Reviewers program.

[ethel55_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was so good! The Pakistani culture, even in the 2000s, lends itself well to the similar types of tropes in the original Pride and Prejudice. It was a pleasure to read, all the while knowing what to expect and wondering how it would play out. Kamal does a fantastic job creating the world where Alys Binat teaches at a British school in Dilipabad, "Bungles" sisters are as terrifically horrid as Jena is sweet and Mrs. Binat will never tire of worrying over the future of her five daughters while Mr. Binat tends to his garden.

[foggidawn · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A retelling of Pride and Prejudice set in early 21st century Pakistan. This was a lot of fun, and even more so because I listened to the audiobook, so I got the accents and proper pronunciation of everything. The author sticks very close to the original plot, so it seemed strange to me that the original novel exists in the world of the book, and the characters discuss it periodically. Definitely recommended, especially for Austen fans who love a good retelling.

[nicole_a_davis · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Surprisingly good, in fact probably the best Jane Austen-inspired /retelling that I've read. IT sticks to the original remarkably closely but also feels true to its time and place and provides a fresh spin on it. I liked the self-awareness it had and how it brings in other similar pieces of literature from between Austen's day and today.

[dgrachel · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Unmarriageable is a seamless blending of Pakistani culture and Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. It really is like Austen's work was lifted out of the 19th century and deposited in modern day Pakistan. The characters names are similar, as is the entire plot. It should be annoyingly derivative, but it's not. This was a light, enjoyable read, that pokes fun at patriarchy in Pakistan, provides beautiful role models for strength of character and independent thinking, and gives the reader a genuine happy ending. The only quibble I have is that I do not understand how Alys (the Elizabeth Bennett character) could be a teacher of English Literature, who assigns P&P to every 9th grade class, could not realize that she was basically living out the plot of that book. 3.5 stars

[nancyadair-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Soniah Kamal's retelling of Jane Austen's novel Pride and Prejudice (P and P) was an entertaining read. Pakistan and Austen's world share many of the same constraints on women--especially an emphasis on marrying well over for love and a total unacceptance of premarital sex.In Unmarriageable, Elizabeth and Jane become Alys and Jena Binat, schoolteachers who have intelligence and beauty yet are spinsters in their early thirties. Jena is shy and sweet; Alys is an ardent feminist who pushes her students to think for themselves.The younger sisters include the Muslim fundamentalist Mari, the precocious boy-crazy and fashion-obsessed Lady, and the unhappily overweight Qitty. The family is not of the best kind, for Mr. Binat was bilked out of his inheritance which brought downsizing in house and budget, and Mrs. Binat's grandmother is rumored to have been a prostitute.Aly's friend Sherry is forty-one but still has hopes of 'grabbing' a husband and finally experiencing a sexual encounter with a man. Every evening Alys and Sherry meet in the local cemetery, and under the pretense of feeding the birds, enjoy a cigarette and a heart-to-heart talk.Alys and Jena meet the well-to-do Bungles and Darsee at a wedding celebration. Bungles is obviously taken by Jena. But she won't make 'you-you' eyes at him for fear of being considered a slut. Alys and Darsee, of course, stumble through a series of misunderstandings and dislike.Just reading about Pakistani wedding traditions is interesting. And the fashions! The food! Oh, how my mouth watered over eggplant in tomatoes, ginger chicken, seekh kabobs, naan, korma, and rose-flavored cake with a cup of chai.The novel is not a rewriting of Austen's classic but does follow the plot line. We know what is going to happen. But I completely enjoyed this novel for on its own merits.Kamal channels Austen's irony. When Jena twists her ankle, Bungles carries her to the car and rushes to the clinic. Kamal writes, "The clinic was an excellent facility, as all facilities that carer to excellent people tend to be, because excellent people demand excellence, unlike those who are grateful for what they receive."There is a lot of talk about literature. Book titles are dropped throughout many conversations. The characters often speak about Austen in an ironic twist.Annie Benna dey Bagh comments that she found P and P "helpful in an unexpected way...I decided that, no matter how ill I got, I'd never turn or be turned into Anne de Bourgh.""Thankfully, we don't live in a novel," Alys comments. And yet Sherry channels Charlotte Lucas in marrying for financial security although she does have the choice to be self-supporting. Darsee and Alys agree on many points in these conversations about literature and Pakistan's colonial heritage."I believe, Alys said to Darsee, "A book and an author can belong to more than one country or culture. English came with the colonizers, but its literature is part of our heritage took as in pre-partition writing."When Wickaam comes on the scene, English Literature teacher Alys is appalled by his preference that films are better than books. He is drop-dead gorgeous and spins his lies to cover his unsavory history.Kamal includes loads of nods to Austen. Minor characters are named Thomas Fowle and Harris Bigg-Wither, real people in Jane's life. Alys often parodies the famous opening line of P and P, such as "it was a truth universally acknowledged that people enter our lives in order to recommend reads."Thankfully, a Goodreads win brought this book into my life!

[rgilbraith_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Delightful book! Clever, funny, well written.

[cbl_tn · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Alys was talking to an ex-student, Sarah… At the moment she and Alys were discussing potential thesis topics.“You can,” Alys suggested, “ask if friendships in Austen are more complex between friends or sisters. Or explore who jumps class in Austen and whose class cannot be forgiven, overlooked, or worked around. Or compare colonizer Babington Macaulay and Kipling’s ‘England’s Jane’ with a ‘World’s Jane,’ a ‘Pakistani Jane,’ a ‘Post-Colonial Jane,’ Edward Said’s Jane. What might Jane make of all these Janes? Discuss empire writing back, weaving its own stories.”Unmarriageable, a Pakistani Pride and Prejudice, is empire writing back. The novel is written primarily from the perspective of Alysba “Alys” Binat, the second of five daughters of Barkat and “Pinkie” Binat. Alys and her older sister, Jenazba (“Jena”) are thirty-something teachers at the British School of Dilipabad, a fictional town located about a two-hour drive from Lahore. The Binat family have been invited to attend a wedding which is Dilipabad’s event of the season. At the festivities, they meet Fahad “Bungles” Bingla, his sisters, and his aloof friend, Valentine Darsee. Readers who are familiar with Pride and Prejudice can guess where the story goes from here.Some aspects of Austen’s original translate well to early 21st century Pakistan, such as issues of class and Mary’s piety (with Kamal’s Mari aspiring to Islamic piety). I was less persuaded by the feminist Alys of the novel. Austen’s Elizabeth Bennet was unconventional for her time, but not disrespectful, selfish, or unkind. I often found Alys hard to like and her behavior difficult to condone.

[liscarey · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice through Pakistani eyes, and it's not just a simple copy with names of people and places changed.Soniah Kamal is a Pakistani writer, who grew up in Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and elsewhere, received part of her education in the USA. Jane Austen was one favorite author, and she was stuck by the ways that these very English novels, written two centuries ago, reflected the core daily concerns of modern Pakistani life, and in many ways universal concerns: family, love, success, happiness, respectability, security.Alysba Binat is like and not like Elizabeth Bennet, and while if you've read Pride & Prejudice, you know the basic outlines of her story, she's well worth getting to know in her own right. The other Binats and their friends and neighbors are also alike and not like, and the similarities and differences are both reasons this book is worth reading.I'm really not prepared to comment in any detail about the Pakistani aspects of the story; I don't know nearly enough. I feel I got a useful, interesting, enjoyable exposure to an unfamiliar culture, and I strongly recommend you take the same opportunity.Highly recommended.I borrowed this book from my local library.

[deslivres5 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Now *this* is the way to do a P&P retelling! In Pakistan! I loved it!The only tiny criticism I have is that you have to dispel your doubt that Alys Binat, a P&P expert, wouldn't see the parallels happening between her life and P&P and just enjoy the retelling.

[shazjhb · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It is a nice “camp” take on a classic. I do not actually believe this represents Pakistan culture. Seems way too open.

[eyes92c · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A vibrant read!I so enjoyed this! Pride and Prejuidice reimagined in Pakistan! Could that be pulled off? Yes, Yes and Yes, most definately! The Binats and the Bennets are unbeatable!To be brutally honest I quail before the plethora of Austen spin offs. I dislike them (and yet I have no problem with Holmsian off shoots Mmm!). I am so over them!But "Unmarriageable" is just so different. Rich in cultural interactions, in social mores, in sharp questions beneath the surface of the story, and of characters and their behaviors that throw the original Austen directly into our world of today. So many comparisons of characters can be made, of social customs, of how the author has made the Austen concept work fabulously in this richly flavored novel.These parallels between the Bennets and the Binats are brilliantly displayed, and to my mind given a new lease of life."Mr. Barkat “Bark” Binat and Mrs. Khushboo “Pinkie” Binat and their five daughters—Jenazba, Alysba, Marizba, Qittyara, and Lady—[temporarily] move from big-city Lahore to backwater Dilipabad" following a downturn of fortune. That was ten years ago. Alysba Binat (Elizabeth Bennet) is an incisive woman making her way as an English teacher of some talent, as is her sister Jena.A society wedding is where the family are thrown into association with Fahad Bingla (Mr. Bingham), his sisters and his best friend and Darcy-like personage, Valentine Darsee.I love the character of Sherry Looclus, Alys Binat's friend, loosely following the character of Elizabeth Bennet's best friend, Charlotte. Her reasons for marrying Farhat Kaleen, the Mr. Collins character are intelligently explained, and I could fully accept her reasoning.The sharp exposé of Mr. Binat's fathering model in relationship to Mr. Bennet's is illuminating. As are the various, wives, daughters and the dastardly Wickaam. Indeed I could rave for pages with the various character comparisons. They are delightful and insightful. (I have to say I can see the movie playing out before my eyes.)I particularly enjoyed Alys discovery of shared literary likes and discussions between herself and Darsee. The idea that Darsee puts forward that it's "up for debate whether it’s the nationality of the author or the geography of the book that determines its place in a country’s canon.” And Alys' reply, “a book and an author can belong to more than one country or culture. English came with the colonizers, but its literature is part of our heritage too, as is pre-partition writing.” Another gem, “That book made me believe I could have a Pakistani identity inclusive of an English-speaking tongue. We’ve been forced to seek ourselves in the literature of others for too long.” Fascinating!All this coupled with the vibrancy of a world most of us can only guess at, where the sense of color and smell is rampant and the social restrictions and practices as guarded as in Austen's day, perceptively written with a wonderfully understated sense of humor, makes for a brilliant read.I must say I really think this would make a great book club addition.A Ballantine Books ARC via NetGalley

[bettytaylor56 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

“It is a truth universally acknowledged that a girl can go from pauper to princess or princess to pauper in the mere seconds it takes for her to accept a proposal.” – the opening sentence of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE by Jane AustenThis delightful Pakistani re-telling of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE starts out with ninth-grade teacher Alys Binat asking her female students to rewrite the opening sentence of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. Their writings nakedly reveal their societal status and how they have been taught that marriage is their ultimate goal.Alys’ heart sinks each year as her students, with their brilliant minds, never consider exploring the world and paving their own ways through life instead of seeing “marrying young and well” as their only options. Yet each year she uses the reading of Jane Austen’s PRIDE AND PREJUDICE to show how the mother and the protagonist start out with similar views and goals and where and why they begin to separate in those views.Alys Binat says she will never marry but, like Elizabeth Bennett, life just did not turn out that way when Darsee entered her life. Kamal manipulated the characters’ names to somewhat match the name of the characters in the classic telling. Some of the nicknames were hilarious – Rum, Gin, Hammy, Dracula. I especially loved the characters of Sherry Looclus (Charlotte Lucas) and Farhat Kaleen (Mr. Collins). Sherry is the kind of friend you want by your side through good and bad. The story was utterly delightful and the writing impeccable. Charming and funny with relatable characters, this unique re-telling of the classic story PRIDE AND PREJUDICE looks at love, sisterhood, class, and marriage with a fresh twist. Kamal provided awesome insight into human relationships, especially within the Binat family of five daughters and their parents. (“O’Connor, Austen, Alcott, Wharton. Characters’ emotions and situations are universally applicable across cultures, whether you’re wearing an empire dress, shalwar kurta, or kimono.”) Some conversations are pretty much universal, heard in families whatever the culture may be. Example: “Both of you, shut up,” Mrs. Binat said. “For God’s sake, is this why I went through your pregnancies and labor pains and nursed you both and gave myself stretch marks and saggy breasts? So that you can grow up and be bad sisters? How many times must I tell you: Be nice to each other, love each other, for at the end of the day, siblings are all you have.” Tell me you haven’t heard some version of that from your own mother.I enjoyed the historical tidbits about the partitioning of Pakistan and India and the involvement of the English empire. I suspect she used much farce in her descriptions of modern-day Pakistani culture. A truly delightful story. I end with a quote from the book that I think should be highlighted: “We know that friends can be made anywhere and everywhere, regardless of race or religion.”I received an Advance Review Copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[teachlz · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Soniah Kamal, Author of “Unmarriageable” “Pride and Prejudice in Pakistan” has written a thought-provoking, intense, entertaining, witty, unique, cultural and contemporary novel. The Genres for this Novel are Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Humor, Romance, Contemporary, and Satire. The timeline for this story is set in the present and goes to the past when it pertains to the characters or events in the story. The author describes her colorful characters as complex and complicated.I appreciate that Soniah Kamal discusses the cultural differences in Pakistan between the weathy and poor classes. Of noted interest is the dilemma facing the Pakastanian family with young girls, seeking to get them married as quickly as they can. and to someone of both class and wealth. The young girls are faced with pressures of marrying just to be married, love, waiting to be married for sex, being taken care of financially, or financially being able to support oneself, continuing education, and having babies.The Binat family has certainly had their share of disappointments. After losing most of their wealth to family, they are adjusting as best they can. Two of the five daughters, Alys and Jena are working as teachers. Coincidentally, Jane Austin is discussed in class. Alys questions many of the reasons why a woman should marry. She is intelligent, and believes that education is important.When one of the wealthiest families sends invitation for a wedding, Mrs. Binat is ready for her daughters to find husbands. She would like them to “fish“ for husbands. Mrs. Binat just wants to see her daughters wed, no matter what. Jena meets “Bungles” a well established man, and her mother is waiting for a proposal for her. Bungles’ friend Valentine Darsee does not seem to impressed with the Binat family. Alys overhears Valentine discussing them. I enjoyed this witty and entertaining story and would recommend this to anyone who enjoys an alternative and modern day “Pride and Prejudice”. I received an ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.

[adonisguilfoyle · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice, set in Pakistan at the turn of the millennium, has been on my Amazon wishlist for months and even when the price kept dropping, I wasn't in the mood to download and read the story - until now! P+P isn't my favourite Austen novel - that honour goes to Emma - but I love adaptations and Indian/Pakistan society certainly fits the old-fashioned motifs of Austen's work, so even though the story could have been shorter and the writing more concise, I did enjoy Soniah Kamal's take on what I consider to be Austen's 'primer' novel in the end.We all know what happens in Pride and Prejudice, and Unmarriageable is a kissing cousin to the original, so I'll just say that I loved the Lizzie character Alys Binat, perhaps more than Miss Bennet herself! I'm sort of sad that she had to marry Valentine Darsee at all, after protesting rather too convincingly how she prefers the single life (‘I’ll never be lonely’ – Alys gave a satisfied sigh – ‘because I’ll always have books.’) Her younger sisters call her 'aunty', a less than affectionate name for older, interfering women, because she is always lecturing them about education (she's a teacher in an English language school), independence and not getting married out of duty. Like Mrs Bennet, all Alys' mother wants is to marry off her daughters, to anyone who will take them. Her advice on how to 'grab it' is hilarious: ‘Jena, Alys,’ Mrs Binat said, ‘shame on both of you if this wedding ends and you remain unmarried. Cast your nets wide, reel it in, grab it, grab it. But do not come across as too fast or forward, for a girl with a loose reputation is one step away from being damaged goods and ending up a spinster. Keep your distance without keeping your distance. Let him caress you without coming anywhere near you. Coo sweet somethings into his ears without opening your mouth. Before he even realises there is a trap, he will have proposed. Do you understand?’The plot follows Austen's novel almost to the letter, apart from a very soap opera twist to the Darcy/Wickham backstory, and Alys is always referring to Austen's work herself, being an English teacher. And she gets bonus points for confessing that ‘Darcy is overrated,’ Alys said. ‘Mr Knightley from Emma won my heart when he defended Miss Bates from Emma’s mockery.’ That said, for all her knowing observations about her favourite author - ‘I’m the omniscient narrator and observer in Austen’s novels' - Alys never recognises that she is living Pride and Prejudice, which is jarring. She even talks about Darcy and Darsee at one point, and I was thinking, 'Come on, now would be the perfect time for an out of body experience', but no.I also liked how the author built on the double standards in Pakistani culture to make the relationships in Austen's novel work in a modern setting - how women are judged on their 'purity' and pressured to marry and have children - and her commentary on postcolonial literature (I've added Sunlight on a Broken Column by Attia Hosain to my wishlist!) Perhaps a bit wordy in places, but very thought-provoking.

[terran_9 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a fun and thought-provoking retelling of Pride and Prejudice in a Pakistani setting.

[reader1009-863136 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

diverse fiction (pride and prejudice in modern pakistan w/POC, Muslim characters).
I don't much care for P&P, but found this to be pretty readable (I read to page 20 but stopped for lack of time). I have heard good things/good press about this title and would probably recommend.

[drfuriosa · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

An engaging and fresh adaptation of Janw Austen's classic. It reimagines the story in exciting ways while keeping the excitement alive. I recommend this book!

[cats57_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I will say this right up front -I have never read Pride and Prejudice---I know, I know, bad Dianne! But that means that I had nothing to compare this book to. Because of that, I feel like I read it with fresh eyes and no expectations. So I had nothing to complain about, at least literarily!I loved this book -I could see what was going on as far as P&P since I have at least heard about it but again-no expectations. Just a fun romance set in Pakistan; where the modern life of women is very much like the lives of women in the early 1800's.This was a fun read with plenty of good old modern back-stabbing, scandal, love gone bad, unrequited love, and pure bitchiness!Each sister unique in her own way -some good some horrid but most make out well in the end,I would love to read another book based on the last two sisters that didn't get married and Lady who I bet won't stay married!Great read and although it may not be perfect as far as some aspects go (I have read the negative reviews) I am glad I used my precious book reading time on this one!

[emperatrix_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Pride and Prejudice in Pakistan... I've long felt that the only way to pull off a beat-for-beat Pride & Prejudice update is to set it in a place where marrying above your station can make a meaningful difference in a woman's life. Setting it in Pakistan in the year 2000 is *chef's kiss*. You get the mother-obsessed-with-marriage without it being weird and out of place. Billionaire boyfriend books aside, the relationship between Alysba and Darsee reads like a real Pride & Prejudice set in "modern" times. Loved how the story was updated and all the references to books scattered throughout (I already ordered a copy of Sunlight on a Broken Column by Attia Hossain).One random aside, there are some jarring head-hopping scenes where the narrative shifts from the speaker to an omniscient narrator that tells you a different character's thoughts or backstory. I'm not sure if this is a call-back to Austen, or a writerly conceit, but it threw me out of the story a few times.