In case I’ve never said it before (though I’m fairly certain I have), I am a sucker for Jane Austen and, by extension, re-imaginings of Jane Austen. So, when I saw Unmarriageable by Soniah Kamal, it was a no-brainer for me. Set in Pakistan, a country still fairly backward in women’s rights, Alysba Binat is past prime marriageable age, working as a teacher and trying to inspire her female students to challenge gender norms and aspire to be more.

Soniah Kamal has weaved a rich, occasionally confusing, cast of characters that vividly showcase what life in Pakistan is like for women. Sometimes scary (there’s a scene where Alys’ family are assured that she won’t become the victim of an acid attack), sometimes hilarious (seriously, Mrs. Binat!), it’s definitely an eye-opener (and do be sure you check the back of the book to see what the organizations referenced in the book actually do). Most interestingly, Ms. Kamal has stayed very true to the original Pride And Prejudice, even with the modernization and culture shift.

I loved the little habit of re-framing one of the most well-known lines, especially with Alys’ students.

It is a truth universally acknowledged ...

Where this book fell a little flat for me was with the names and nicknames. I understand that the use of nicknames is commonplace in Pakistan, but some seemed a little silly and forced, especially when some characters had their names melded together, like poor HammySammy, “Bungles” sisters. A bit more of a variation in larger characters would have been less out of place too - I mean, I’m not *that* up on Pakistani naming conventions, but “Georgeullah Wickaam” just seemed a little unbelievable.

Despite those little quirks, if you’re looking for a quick read with a fresh take on a beloved classic, look no further than Unmarriageable.