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Lindas Book Obsession Reviews “Unmarriageable” by Soniah Kamal, Ballantine Books, January 22, 2019
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.
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