A clever rendition of Pride and Prejudice in modern day Pakistan. For those who can never get enough of Pride and Prejudice you'll love it. For those who hated Pride and Prejudice you'll hate it! For those like me, who liked it and have never read another retelling of the story, you'll enjoy it. It is a fast read and although you already know the ending it is still fun and even a bit suspenseful to see how the pieces come together, to get us to where we know it will be, by the end of the book.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an early release of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I liked the concept here, but felt like it stuck too close to the original text. I mean, real readers of P&P will be able to figure out each character in the book and who they correspond to. We don't need to be told through "clever" renaming: Looclus for Lucas, Kaleen for Collins, Darsee and Bungles (Bingley). By the end I was mostly annoyed at the way she renamed instead of letting the reader be smart enough to figure it out.

BUT, all that being said, I love the way that Indian culture fits so well with the P&P storyline and thought it was well done overall.

I received an uncorrected proof of "Unmarriageable: Pride & Prejudice in Pakistan" by Soniah Kamal, a retelling of Jane Austen's classic novel, “Pride & Prejudice.” I enjoyed Kamal’s re-imagining of the characters and plot and found myself searching online for everything from locations, clothing, food, and literature.
The story begins in December 2000 in the classroom of Alysba Binat (think Elizabeth Bennet), a teacher for the upper grades, where she is having students rewrite the opening line of Austen's novel: "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” Alys tries in her own way to speak into the lives of these young women at the British School Group. She doesn’t want them to fall into the trap of a patriarchal system, thinking that their only future is to marry young and have children, but instead finish school and go to university. Jenazba Binat (Jane) teaches the middle grades, and we are introduced to the rest of the Binat girls on the way home from School: Marizba (Mary); Qittyra (Kitty); and Lady (Lydia).
Unlike Austen's novel, we are given the back story on the Binat family where they went from riches to rags following a betrayal by Barkat Binat's brother, Goga, and his wife/cousin, Tajwer (Tinkle) Binat. They can only afford a ruin in front of a graveyard in Dilipadad. The graveyard is where Alys meets Sherry Looclus (Charlotte Lucas), who here is a smoker and about 10 years older than her.
The Binats are invited to the Nadir Sheh and Fiede Fecker wedding – very much a ball from a mehndi and nikah ceremony to later walima. It's there that Jena and Alys meet Fahad Bingla, nicknamed Bungles; and Valentine Darsee. Jena is invited to a charity polo match in Lahore where they stay with their aunt and uncle nearby. And here Jena turns her ankle and Bungles carries her out of the match like Marianne in Sense & Sensibility. Alys shows up sweating to beat the band after a walk, reminiscent of Elizabeth’s trip to see Jane at Netherfield when she became ill. Where Austen’s Elizabeth is a reader, Kawal’s Alys is more of a professor of literature. I’m thinking that the book needs a section marked “Alysba’s reading list” because of all the titles included. (I added “Sunlight on a Broken Column” by Attia Hosain to my Goodreads bookshelf.) It is in the clinic with Jena that Alys has a great conversation with Valentine Darsee who says to her:

Darsee: “We’ve been forced to seek ourselves in the literature of others for too long.” Alys: “But reading widely can lead to an appreciation of the universalities across cultures.”

Speaking of different cultures, as a predominantly English reader, I appreciated Kawal’s brief translations after (I believe) Urdu sentences or words to English. I very much enjoyed looking up details from locations in Pakistan to the details about the three wedding ceremonies. I enjoyed looking up the clothing in this novel like when Pinkie Binat is getting the girls ready in saris, gharanas, chararas, peshwas, dupattas and shalwar kurtas. My food knowledge was stretched and I thought how much the novel is a foodie paradise. I may have to order the foods that were at these events from beef biryani, seekh kebabs, tikkas, naan, gulab yamun, firni, samosas, and kulfi ice cream. I love chai tea so the fact that this was offered throughout the novel made me wish I was among the visitors.
I did shake my head over the names in this novel from Jeorgeullah Wickaam to Humeria and Sumeria Bingla (Hammy & Sammy). The names were close and probably could use a bit of distance. The novel did stick with the original plot but added some nuances, such as what went on in the mind of Sherry Looclus upon learning Farhat Kaleen’s proposal to Alys was turned down. I could sense Sherry’s anxiety as she figured out her next moves to "grab a husband” after all the times she had been turned down. You feel the rift between Alys and Sherry more keenly but you understand why Sherry would see Kaleen as a ticket to a better life.
I will say I tend to read novels that don’t include curse words or sexual situations. I remember Stephen King says curse words are natural and expected, but really I don’t need an author to tell me the exact curses someone uses. If the character curses, my imagination can supply a curse word. That said I’m not sure what age group the novel is intended, but I’m thinking this is for adults. Jaans and Sammy Bingla-Riyasat use a modified F-bomb during a New Year ’s Eve party – modified in that I’ve never heard that form used here in the U.S. Earlier in the novel, Sherry makes an allusion to masturbation to Alys, something about liking her hand when Alys isn’t interested in marriage. Some of the characters take a moral hit too but I realized in telling them I’d probably give away spoilers on the plot.
My overall impression was positive though in that I left the novel having learned something new about Pakistan and the Muslim faith. Using Pride & Prejudice as an outline, Kawal takes the reader on a cultural journey and breathes new life into Austen’s characters and plot. I laughed when Lady sprayed spittle as she made fun of Valentine Darsee’s first name, and later laughed when Jena was caught threading her moustache when Bingla came to call. It’s so much better than trying to get rid of sewing or clean up food trays in the drawing room. I look forward to seeing the completed novel in January 2019.

Unmarriageable by Soniah Kamal is a Pride and Prejudice retelling but set in early 21st century Pakistan told through the perspective of Alys the second oldest of the Binat sisters. Alys deals the dominant male culture, her marriage-obsessed mother, and teach her young students that there is more to life than securing a good marriage. A marriage of the year in their small town sets this family on many journeys of marriage proposals, society demands and what is most important with our lives.
Wow, this book surprised me on how great and how eye-opening it was for me to read about the struggles that are put on women in Pakistan in the early 21st century. It was a little slow and slightly confusing in the beginning, but once the characters started growing, I could not put the book down. An exceptional book that everyone should read at least once in your life.

DNF - after reading 34%. Seemed to me to be way to much dialogue and not enough things happening in the story. Felt like all the dialogue was being used to extend the book. Couldn't read anymore. Giving it an average rating because I did not finish the book.

The setting: "[a] retelling of Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice set in modern-day Pakistan, the five Binat sisters and their marriage-obsessed mother navigate a world where money trumps morality and double standards rule the day." Of course, the Binat family has no fortune and bad luck. And, there is a Darsee [Darcy].

The heroine is Alys, "the second and most practical of the five Binat daughters, [who] has found happiness teaching English literature to school girls." Much of the book centers around Alys--who I liked.

A fast read with much humor --which often found me chuckling.
"Mrs. Fecker's gargantuan eyelashes, supposedly imported from Milan, were apparently weighing down her eyes because it took her a moment to recognize Mr. and Mrs. Bark Binat."

"... balding, sartorially dismal man."

"...dressed in flapper-style long frocks... the twins looked like shredded streamers."

What I most enjoyed--learning of the local Pakistani culture and customs.

BUT. If you know the story of Pride and Prejudice [and who doesn't], there aren't many surprises. So, in that respect, too neat. Nonetheless, often charming so it kept me going. Sometimes a 3.5, but not enough to round up. Question: Why is it set in 2000 and 2001?

I’m always in the market for a fresh P&P adaptation and this one did not disappoint. While the writing at times was a bit clunky and Alys could be annoying at times with her strident feminism that came across sometimes as rude, this was a fabulous novel. The setting was absolutely perfect for a retelling of Austen’s story. She stayed very true to the plot and characters, with some exceptions. The relationship between Mrs. Binat and her husband was different than between the Bennett’s, and she had a very fresh and fascinating take on Charlotte (Sherry) and Mr. Collins (Mr. Kaleen) that makes me want to reread the original Pride and Prejudice and look at that story line with fresh eyes.

I love how Austen’s work translates so well to Pakistan in the early 2000s. One of my favorite things about P&P is how universally applicable it still is more than 200 years later, and now I can see how cross-culturally applicable it is as well.

Overall, this was a charming, interesting, fun, vibrant retelling of a beloved novel that makes me want to learn more about Pakistani culture and also revisit Austen’s works. This is one of my favorite P&P retelling I’ve read. You certainly don’t have to be a Pride and Prejudice fan to love this novel, though.

Thank you NetGalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you

I am a huge Pride and Prejudice fan. I never get tired of rereading Jane Austin's novels. Due to it's popularity I have read several re-imaginings of P&P. This can be a hit or miss. Some I have appreciated and enjoyed and some not so much. I was very interested in reading Sonia Kamal's modern day Pakistan rendition. I learned a lot about the Muslim Pakistani culture. My husband has spent time in India, so some of their ways were similar and not a great surprise. The attention to detail made this an interesting read. I thought the story was good and may have been better if not a retelling of P&P. For me the names were just too similar. I had a hard time with Alys, sorry but I didn't like her as much as I tried. Therefor I found her character a little unbelievable.

I received a copy from Ballatine through NetGallley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Unmarrigeable is an outstanding story. It is based in Pakistan. With Pakistan traditions. The main tradition, of course, marriage of the daughters to good husbands, hopefully wealthy husbands. This particular family has five daughters. Not considered lucky, in that there were no sons. The young ladies (considered old by their standards) are all unmarried. Jena, the oldest teaches school. Alys, the next in agreement is opinionated about their traditions. Believing vehemently that women shouldn't have to marry. That they should be allowed to be single and have an education and work outside the home. She is also a very well read, teacher. Quit the middle daughter is slightly overweight, though she likes herself and knows her worth. No matter how much she is taunted by the baby sister 16 year old, Lady. Mari is very pious and is always spouting off passages from the Kuran. Lady, is spoiled, wild and has no care for tradition. Or, sadly that what she does affects her family.
These girls all have wonderful qualities, but, the are not married. This causes their mother intense grief. In their culture one of the highlights of a mother, if not the most important highlight, is marrying their daughters off. In this way mothers try to outdo each other through their children's accomplishments. This mother just wants her daughters to hook a man, hopefully respected and wealthy, because this reflects on all the family.
Being able to see how each of these young women accomplish what their own personal preferences are is beautiful. The story is interesting, entertaining and memorable. On the plus side, I loved learning a lot of the different words. I strongly recommend this book on everybody's to read list. This book written about this family transcends culture. Mothers are mothers no matter what country they're from.

A Pakistani take on Pride & Prejudice that worked! It was charming, realistic to society’s pressures, and thoroughly entertaining. This was a great read and I liked how it stayed true to the original with just enough deviation to keep me interested.

Kamal makes Pride and Prejudice her own, not just some pastiche of Austen's story. While the names are a little too obvious, the characters are not the same as Austen's; they are just in similar situations in a different culture. That is Kamal's point: literature shows us universal truths about human nature that goes beyond the differences in ethnicity, geography and religion. The Binat family is more fully developed than the Bennett family. They have been abroad and therefore exposed to a wider variety of experiences than many of their Pakistani neighbors. They have been misused by their family and left impoverished. Even the Pakistani version of the Lucas family have more back story. What happens to everyone is pretty much the same as in Pride and Prejudice, but there is a full description of Pakistani wedding customs and food that bring the world into bright colors. Kamal shows us the troubles women face in this culture when marriage is often seen as their only option. She plays with the opening line of P&P: "it is a truth universally acknowledged", to show different people's truths that they think are acknowledged. As a reader, I want to explore some of the books and stories that Alys suggests to her friends and students and I'd love to try some of the food!

In this retelling of Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice set in modern-day Pakistan, the five Binat sisters and their marriage-obsessed mother navigate a world where money trumps morality and double standards rule the day. This is an amusing tale of finding husbands after the family is broke and banished to a small town.

As the story follows the classic Pride and Prejudice yet set in Pakistan we follow along as a family full of daughters goes through the trials of “marrying off” their girls. What an interesting look at Pakistani culture and the belief that marriage is the ultimate goal for a young lady.

The book was quite sweet yet a bit hard to get into at times. Take your time reading and I am sure you will find it enjoyable!

What an amazing look into the life of Pakistan. From the social customs to the country to the family structure. The story took many twists and turns, each page leading to the next. I couldn’t put it down.

Unmarriageable reminded me a little of Mona Lisa Smile and Pride and Prejudice in watching others getting married for money so they can improve the family name and fortune. I am a huge fan of Jane Austen and how her books have inspired love in the Victorian age and it has always been authentic and true. It is such a treat to be reminded of those masterpieces and sometimes the greatest love stories always happen to people that either

a) Do not believe in love

b) Never have found love and are close to giving up.

Thank you Netgalley and Ballatine Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. We will definitely consider this title for our Fiction collection at the library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

I have always enjoyed reading Jane Austen retellings and reimaginings because it's fascinating to see how her thoughts and ideas translate into our modern world or how modern authors can interpret them. I have liked a few and been disappointed by others, so I knew not to have a lot of expectations from this one. But Pride and Prejudice set in 21st century Pakistan held too much appeal and I couldn't stop myself from requesting the ARC. And I am so glad to report that this book exceeded all my expectations in a delightful way.

There is not much I can say about the individual characters because the author stays pretty close to the original - in terms of both the plot and the characterization. However, making both Jena and Alys unmarried women in their 30s who take up the teaching profession to help their family make ends meet, and then thrive in their independence was a deft touch. The Binat family has also extensively traveled abroad and their kids educated in international schools before the downturn in their fortunes, hence it's quite easy to believe Alys as a modern well read woman who loves her country and culture, while also being very critical of a hypocritical society that puts undue pressure on young women to be virtuous and marry and serve their husbands but the men are never expected to respect or value their partners.

The whole book is full of social commentary about the class and societal prejudice that felt all too real. I've seen enough of the snobbery and gossip mongering and the too much importance given to people with money, both in the Indian media and in my real life; and even the belief that a woman's life is only fulfilled by getting married and bearing children and not by being a person of intellect and with a voice of her own - all of this hit too close to home and that's what makes this book so special. There were some great conversations in the book which resonated with me - about finding home and identity when you've grown up with foot in your culture and traditions and the other foot trying to adapt to more western sensibilities; about how we as a country can better celebrate our history while also putting the lasting effects of colonization into context; about trying to voice an opposing opinion regarding the place of women in a society that tries to cast them into a mould. 

The other strength of this book and one that I truly enjoyed was the very "desi" feel of it. I'm not a Muslim nor Pakistani, so I won't comment on how true that rep is but it did feel quite similar to some of the Pakistani TV dramas I've watched. But the culture, food and language are still very much similar to my own and it was such a delight to read about all of that in such glorious detail. All the wedding ceremonies and clothes that were described made me want to run to India and buy some nice extravagant clothes 🤩🤩 The narration about all the food in detail throughout the book is mouth watering and reading about everyone enjoying these delicacies made me want to join in all the fun. And I really adored the generous use of Urdu all through the book - it's nice to see some familiar words in conversations and especially the use of famous proverbs. The book also lots of nods to Austen's works, right from the first line to the last and some other prominent authors, so be ready for some nice recommendations.

Despite how much I enjoyed reading this one, it's not perfect. I really loved the few subplots that the author incorporated, but for the most part it's too close to the original. The romance between Alys and Darsee also felt very rushed and I would have liked to see them interact more and fall in love slowly. However, the society and world of P&P does translate well into the modern Pakistani setting and the characters felt very believable. The story is also very funny and entertaining and I couldn't put it down.

If you love Jane Austen and like reimagining her stories, then do give this one a try. And if you are from the subcontinent, then I definitely recommend this book. You will really really enjoy this desi Pride and Prejudice.

Unmarriageable is a modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice set in Pakistan. Alys Binat is a single schoolteacher living with her parents and four sisters in a small town. When a wedding brings strangers from out of town to the area, Alys must dodge her mother's obsession with getting her daughters married to them.

I enjoyed the glimpse into Pakistani culture while reading this book and the premise that Pride and Prejudice applies across the globe. With the premise of this being Pride and Prejudice in Pakistan, I understand the author wanting to closely follow the narrative structure Austen had laid out. It is a great concept and enjoyable story.

This was a fabulous retelling of Pride and Prejudice. I was impressed with how well it fit the modern-day Pakistani experience but also how the author explored different aspects of that society through the five sisters. I did think it was a little heavy on making Austen still a part of the world the characters inhibited (at one point, Alys (Lizzie) recommend P&P to Annie due to the character Anne de Bough (who Annie is in this retelling) due to their shared medical woes). Overall though, Alys as Lizzie was a delightful character and even in her flaws, always likable and that Lizzie we know and love. Darcee is a very nice update to our beloved Mr. Darcy (right down to his Buckingham Palace!). One of the better modern re-imagings of P&P into a different society that I have read. Bonus, I felt like I learned a lot about Pakistani culture particularly food and clothes. I was hungry a lot reading this book - so much good food mentioned!

In the novel Unmarriageable, the main character Alys discusses literature and authors with a friend: "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." Kamal proves that point beautifully with this retelling of Pride and Prejudice.

The characters are familiar--Alys Binat and her older sister Jenna, along with younger siblings Lady, Qitty, and Mari and love interest Valentine Darsee--and their plot lines are straight out of Austen. Yet the refreshing change of scene (and time period--this story is contemporary, taking place in the early 2000s) makes for a fresh spin on the story. Alys is decidedly feminist, and her best friend, Sherry, views things with a more experience eye than Austen's Charlotte.

One of the things I enjoyed the most was that the character of Alys is an Austen fan herself--she assigns her students to write a different ending to the famous beginning of P&P ("It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife"). Alys is able to discuss the state of women and the social mores of Pakistan with a critical eye, especially in relation to Austen's time. And in doing so, she (and Kamal) doesn't shy away from more difficult subjects.

But forget all that. Forget what a clever update this is. Even if you've never read P&P, the story is simply fun. The Pakistani food (this novel will make you hungry) and parties and customs are not ones I've read much about, so it was a wonderful insight into another culture. The school life was so interesting (Alys and Jena are both teachers), and I learned a lot about what is expected of both the teachers and the students. The romance is sweet, and I was so sorry to leave the Binats' world when the story ended. A fantastic novel!

This is a really well done retelling of Pride and Prejudice. The update and localization of the book to 2000 Pakistan was seamless. There was a nice addition to have the Darcy and Elizabeth characters bond over reading. It created a nice base for a relationship later on. Time is put into developing the family so that they are not one dimensional characters. This might be the first time I've ever read someone develop Mrs. Bennet.

My only complaint is a person one. I hate when retellings refer to the story that they are retelling. Every time the book Pride and Prejudice gets mentioned I shudder.