Unmarriageable by Soniah Kamal

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that once you fall in love with Jane Austen, you are forever a 'Janeite'. Countless re-reading of her texts, frantic devoration of her screen or book adaptations, constant admiration for her mighty craft and literary production are some of the qualities of Janites what make them what they are. Janites don't only delve deeper into this little Austenian ocean of letters, they add much more to it. Just like Shakespeare, she doesn't tell us only stories, she has given us some universal patterns which will never go out of picture; but always seen and felt. That is why we have some beautiful modern texts created as a tribute to Jane Austen as well as original works having their own worth and say. 

There are literally countless adaptations of almost all her novels. But one particular novel that tops the list is Pride and Prejudice- evergreen classic story of spirited, sharp witted Elizabeth Bennet and an honourable gentleman Fitzwilliam Darcy. They must be one the first literary couples who strengthened the trope of 'sworn enemies to star crossed lovers'. A very fine, well crafted story with vivid imagination, full of alive characters with all their special quirks and features, deeply rooted in their own social realities is our Pride and Prejudice. 

Recently I came across a novel titled Unmarriageable written by Soniah Kamal - Pride and Prejudice in Pakistan. Just as any other Janeite, I was very much eager and ready for this fresh and delightful retelling of the Jane Austen classic. Though I know each and every line, character, scene, plot twist by heart of the original novel, I wanted to know how this author has taken P&P far away from England towards Pakistan. Here you find a a rural fictional city named Dilipabad where lives a Binat family with five daughters- Jenazba, Alysba, Marizba, Qittyara, and Lady. Alysba and Jenazba are both English teachers who have spent their childhood in Saudi, got the cultural and intellectual exposure in their young age, their financial situations soon brought them in Dilipabad. Alysba not just teaches English, but boldly and unapologetically brings beautiful insights into her work which might be shoking for other members of typical society.Though she is not " your average auntie" and not ready to compromise and settle with anyone, she has a mother who will not let that happen. Her family is soon invited to the wedding of the century in their town. Pinkie Binat, mother of five unmarried daughters, excitedly coaches them on the art of husband hunting. Alys's eldest sister Jena quickly catches the eye of a wealthy entrepreneur. But his friend Valentine Darsee doesn't conceal his unfavorable opinion of the Binat family and unknowingly insults Alys as well. What happens next is what we all already know, but still a delight to read on your own! 

Let me add why I like this adaptation: 

- It has not taken any soul crushing, vibe killing creative liberty to ruin original P& P. But it gives us similar picture beautified with all original Pakistani colours. 

- It successfully highlights universality of the original texts and types created in it. The author has perfectly identified the common,unchanged set of values and inner workings of any society with a help of Austen's work and successfully shifted it to Pakistan. Therefore it doesn't feel artificial but one of its own kind. 

- Though major and minor characters are based on original characters from P& P, they belong to 21 St century. They never make you feel any scene incongruous, anachronistic at all. You smell Samosas, Kebabs, Chai; witness big fat weddings; snooty aunties articulately bitching about other girls and their mothers; a constant fear of ' Log kya Kahenge', trope of ' Raees Khandan'. 

- Some additions like Nona's cakes, a play Ismat Aapke Naam, character of Raghav Kumar, Annie's Nigerian boyfriend, Barkat's brother and sister-in-law's betrayal, character of Mrs. Naheed and her daughters, discussions between Val and Alys about various books- cultural exposure etc. is what makes this novel an original work, not a mere adaptation. 

- The author successfully maintains a flow of action till the end of the novel and presents everything in such a fresh style, that it all feels anew. 

- Many contemporary unique issues like complex cultural identities, voice of people with colonial history, sexual identities like gay- lesbians, remarriages, smoking, specific to Muslim women like right to divorce- Hijab wearing etc. find their own place in this story. 

- All different patterns of marriages still found in contemporary society like based on family's reputation and wealth, romantic marriage, marriage based on practical adjustments with less emotions but more stability, impulsive- under the heat done dreamy illusioned marriage, marriage between two understanding equals, domestic marriage of many elder couples are portrayed by all couples present in the novel. It is a faithful representation of contemporary matrimonial reality. 

Jane Austen herself has penned in one of her letters to her sister Cassandra about Pride and Prejudice, " The work is rather too light, and bright, and sparkling; it wants shade; it wants to be stretched out of here and there with a long chapter of sense,... bring the reader with increased delight to the playfulness and epigrammatism of the general style." As Thrity Umrigar, bestselling author of The Space between Us says, " Austen herself would have enjoyed Kamal's deft retelling of her novel, while sipping a cup of Chai". If she can, so would any Janeite! A must to be added to your TBR list or your immediate next read, here I recommend - Unmarriageable written by Soniah Kamal, a fresh adaptation of Pride and Prejudice with lots of new Pakistani colours and vibes! 

- Neha Jyoti Pradip Joshi

( 04- 01- 2024) 

Unmarriageable ( 2019) 

Sonial Kamal

Allison and Busby Publications

Pages - 381

Price- £ 8.99