Book cover of Unmarriageable

Book description

“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…

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Why read it?

3 authors picked Unmarriageable as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I am a sucker for Jane Austen retellings, and this one is my favorite. Kamal’s characters are as vivid as their original inspirations from Pride and Prejudice.

The Pakistani setting also adds a layer of complexity. Even as the novel sweeps charmingly along, moments of social commentary cut through the lightness. Perhaps most satisfying is how Charlotte Lucas, here Sherry Looclus, gets a happier ending. 

From Erica's list on retelling classic stories.

This is an adaptation of Austen’s Pride and Prejudice set in contemporary Pakistan.

I love Austen adaptations and this is one of my favorites. Funny, witty, and incisive, Kamal explores love, family, and the challenges women face in 21st-century Pakistan.

If you’re an Austen adaptation fan and you haven’t read this, you’re missing out. Also read if you enjoy brilliant storytelling.   

I was hooked on Unmarriageable from the very first page. This book is a retelling of Pride and Prejudice in modern-day Pakistan, featuring an independently-minded teacher, Alys Binat, who wants to broaden the perspective of her female students and who fully intends to never marry. Instead of an assembly at Longbourn, we meet Mr. Bingla and Mr. Darsee at a fabulous Pakistani wedding. All the characters are brilliant (though my personal favorite is probably the Charlotte character, who is also a teacher at Alys’ school). The book illustrates that Jane Austen’s themes are still relevant today, and explores the complicated…

From Katherine's list on inspired by Jane Austen.

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