A Complete List of All the Books and Movies Quoted in Unmarriageable by Soniah Kamal – A Retelling of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice

Unmarriageable: the novel that reimagines Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice in a Pakistani setting

When we talk about novels that have marked the history of literature, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen is without a doubt one of the most beloved and re-read of all time. Its strength lies in its ability to portray, with irony and depth, the social dynamics and aspirations of women of that era. It’s no surprise, then, that over time it has been reinterpreted in countless versions, stage adaptations, films, and even TV series.

Among these retellings stands out Unmarriageable by Soniah Kamal. “Unmarriageable” literally means “unsuitable for marriage.” Published in 2019, it brings the story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy into a completely new context: contemporary Pakistan. The novel is not only a faithful retelling of the original structure, but also a true cultural bridge between East and West, able to connect Austen’s universal values with the contradictions and challenges of modern Pakistani society.

The protagonist, Alys Binat, is a young, unconventional teacher who, like Elizabeth Bennet, questions traditional expectations about marriage and the role of women. Around her unfolds a world of family entanglements, social tensions, and love stories that reflect the soul of Pride and Prejudice while enriching it with nuances tied to local culture.

This ability to reinvent a classic without betraying its essence has made Unmarriageable a highly praised novel among readers and critics alike — and a treasure trove of literary and cultural references. Throughout the story, Kamal sprinkles quotes and allusions to other books and even films, turning the novel into an intertextual game for readers who love to trace connections between works.

In this article, I’ll guide you through all the books and films mentioned in Unmarriageable, exploring how Soniah Kamal has woven Jane Austen’s world into a web of references that enrich the reading experience even further.

Unmarriageable: a bridge between Jane Austen and contemporary Pakistan

Soniah Kamal chose to set Unmarriageable in Pakistan to show how Austen’s universal themes — marriage, social class, women’s emancipation — remain strikingly relevant, but take on different shades in a context far removed from Georgian England. By situating the story in a society where conventions, family expectations, and economic disparities still weigh heavily, Kamal demonstrates that Austen’s work does not belong only to the past or to one geographical space, but continues to speak to today’s global modernity.

The main differences from the original Pride and Prejudice are found in the cultural details: country dances become lavish Pakistani weddings, inheritance discussions intertwine with issues of dowry and family honor, while the female figure reflects new contradictions — torn between independence and social pressure. Still, the narrative structure remains faithful: irony, misunderstandings, and the tension between attraction and prejudice continue to guide the reader, even in this new setting.

This fusion of tradition and modernity has made the novel successful with both critics and readers worldwide. Unmarriageable is not only a tribute to Jane Austen, but also a cultural bridge that shows how stories can travel across centuries and adapt to new times and cultures without losing their power.

All the books mentioned in Unmarriageable

One of the most fascinating aspects of Unmarriageable is that it doesn’t just retell Pride and Prejudice in a Pakistani context — it becomes a true treasure chest of literary references. Soniah Kamal scatters an entire network of citations throughout its pages, transforming the novel into an intellectual and cultural game for the reader.

These works are not just passing mentions; they become essential tools that deepen our understanding of both Jane Austen’s rebellious, ironic spirit and Kamal’s critical, perceptive gaze on society. For me — and I believe for many readers — discovering these titles means expanding our horizons, exploring different cultures and perspectives, and reflecting on contradictions that still shape our world today.

Here, then, is the complete list of all the books and films quoted in Unmarriageable: a literary map connecting eras, geographies, and worldviews — an invitation to keep reading beyond the novel itself.

For convenience, next to the titles I’ve added links to Amazon for the editions I found.

📚 Jane Austen’s Novels

Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen

Unmarriageable is essentially a retelling of Pride and Prejudice. Alys Binat follows in the footsteps of Elizabeth Bennet, facing with irony and pride the social conventions of contemporary Pakistan. Some love this classic for its “impossible” love story, others for its elegant, vivid setting, and many for Jane Austen’s unique ability to use wit and subtle irony to explore deep social questions. Through domestic scenes, reflections emerge on what a marriage should be, embodied in Elizabeth’s parents, who act as a mirror of family dynamics of their time.

👉 If you want to explore the universal themes of love, marriage, and social conventions, this classic is for you. Link to Amazon

Mansfield Park – Jane Austen

Mentioned right at the start, Mansfield Park recalls themes of morality, social hierarchies, and the weight of reputation — themes that find new life in a Pakistani setting. Some readers love this novel for its heroine, Fanny Price, others for the contrasts between virtue and ambition in aristocratic drawing rooms, and still others for Austen’s sharp eye in unmasking hypocrisy and appearances. More than a love story, it’s a lucid and biting look at family ties, social expectations, and the power of morality. Between frivolities, desires, and difficult choices, Austen plunges the reader into a microcosm that still sparks debate today: what matters most — the heart or social conventions?

👉 If you want to reflect on the weight of convention and the silent injustices women endured, torn between family expectations and personal dreams, this is a must-read. Link to Amazon

Northanger Abbey – Jane Austen

With its focus on reading as both escape and empowerment, Northanger Abbey symbolizes the power of books, a theme that resonates in Alys’s classroom. Often considered Austen’s most playful and ironic novel, it tells the story of Catherine Morland, a naïve young woman with a passion for Gothic novels. When invited to stay at Northanger Abbey, she imagines herself living inside one of those mysterious tales — where every shadow and closed door hides a secret. In truth, she faces everyday intrigues, ambiguous friendships, and lessons in maturity.

👉 If you’re fascinated by the mix of imagination, irony, and social commentary, this book will charm you. Link to Amazon

Emma – Jane Austen

Through references to Emma and Mr. Knightley, Kamal reminds the reader that the ironic observation of social behavior is timeless — as are the difficulties of interpreting feelings. One of Austen’s most celebrated works, Emma tells the story of Emma Woodhouse, a brilliant, wealthy, and self-confident young woman who loves meddling in the romantic lives of others, matchmaking… often with unpredictable results. Through her mistakes, Emma learns to know herself, her own heart, and the world around her.

👉 If you’re drawn to psychological dynamics, human relationships, and personal growth within the strict codes of a historical society, Emma will win you over. Link to Amazon

Sense and Sensibility – Jane Austen

Sense and Sensibility was Austen’s first published novel, and it tells the story of the Dashwood sisters — Elinor and Marianne — who embody two opposite ways of living life and love: one led by reason, the other by feeling. Through their experiences, Austen explores, with irony and depth, the contrast between prudence and passion, convention and personal desire, showing how the search for happiness is complex and universal.

👉 If you want to dive into the eternal conflict between heart and mind, with stories of sacrifice and passion, this is a novel that will move you. Link to Amazon

Persuasion – Jane Austen

A novel of maturity and second chances, echoed in the relationship between Alys and Darsee, who must overcome misunderstandings and prejudice before acknowledging their true feelings. Austen’s last complete novel, Persuasion tells the story of Anne Elliot, a thoughtful, intelligent woman who once gave up the man she loved — Captain Wentworth — to follow her family’s advice. Years later, fate brings them back together, forcing Anne to face the weight of past choices and the possibility of reconciliation. It’s a profound, moving story, blending melancholy, hope, and Austen’s delicate observation of human emotions.

👉 If you believe in second chances and love stories marked by resilience, this novel will touch you deeply. Link to Amazon

🌍 Western Literature

Madame Bovary – Gustave Flaubert

A tragic and rebellious heroine, Emma Bovary is evoked as a symbol of those who challenge conventions but risk paying the highest price. Flaubert’s novel tells the story of a woman trapped in a provincial life and an unfulfilling marriage, yearning for passion, luxury, and romance. In her desperate attempt to escape monotony, she makes choices that lead her toward a devastating fate. With precise and innovative style, Flaubert creates an outstanding portrait of human desire, frustration, and contradictions.

👉 If you’re interested in the conflict between reality and dreams, and the consequences of chasing impossible ideals, this is an intense, remarkable read. Link to Amazon

The Age of Innocence – Edith Wharton

May Welland, with her constrained role, mirrors the restrictive social expectations surrounding the Binat sisters. Set in New York’s elite society in the late 19th century, the novel follows Newland Archer, a lawyer torn between duty to his fiancée May and his attraction to the unconventional Countess Ellen Olenska. Through repression, conventions, and difficult choices, Wharton reveals the rigidity and hypocrisy of a world where appearances matter more than desires.

👉 If you’re intrigued by the clash between love and social duty, and the quiet struggle between freedom and tradition, this refined, compelling novel is for you. Link to Amazon

Little Women – Louisa May Alcott

Jo March — independent and passionate about writing — is cited as a model of female emancipation, a voice that resonates with Alys. This beloved classic follows the March sisters — Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy — as they grow up during the American Civil War, facing everyday challenges, sacrifices, and dreams. Tender yet profound, the novel highlights the pursuit of maturity, happiness, and family bonds.

👉 If you want a timeless story about family, friendship, and finding one’s place in the world, Little Women remains a heartwarming choice. Link to Amazon

A Passage to India – E. M. Forster

Set during British colonial rule in India, this novel explores the tense and complex encounter of two cultures. The plot revolves around a controversial accusation that disrupts fragile relationships between Indians and the English, exposing misunderstandings and prejudices. Forster masterfully examines friendship, power, and spirituality against the backdrop of a vibrant, conflicted India.

👉 If you’re drawn to cultural clashes, colonial history, and questions of human connection, this novel offers a dense, illuminating reading. Link to Amazon

To the Lighthouse – Virginia Woolf

An introspective journey and an exploration of family bonds, To the Lighthouse captures Woolf’s brilliance in voicing subtle conflicts. Set largely in the Ramsay family’s summer home in Scotland, the novel focuses on inner thoughts and shifting perceptions rather than outward events. Woolf reflects on time, memory, and unspoken desires, turning a simple trip to a lighthouse into a powerful symbol of longing and reconciliation.

👉 If you love poetic prose that dives into consciousness and transforms ordinary life into reflection, this novel will captivate you. Link to Amazon

A Room of One’s Own – Virginia Woolf

A feminist manifesto, born from Woolf’s lectures on women and writing. With wit and clarity, she examines the link between creativity and economic independence, showing how women have been historically denied the freedom needed to nurture their talent. The “room of one’s own” becomes a timeless symbol of autonomy, identity, and artistic voice.

👉 If you want to explore the roots of feminist thought and the link between freedom and creativity, this essay is essential. Link to Amazon

Essay on Jane Austen – Virginia Woolf

In this essay, Woolf pays tribute to Jane Austen’s sharp, subtle artistry — her clear style, irony, and precise observation of human relationships and society. She recognizes Austen as a quiet revolutionary, laying the foundation for modern narrative. Its very existence even became a point of discussion between Amy and Darsee.

👉 If you’d like to see Austen through the lens of another great writer, this essay offers a refined and insightful perspective. Link to Amazon

The Grapes of Wrath – John Steinbeck

Juxtaposed with Train to Pakistan, Steinbeck’s masterpiece portrays collective suffering and injustice during the Great Depression. It follows the Joad family as they leave Oklahoma, driven westward toward California in search of a better life. Through sacrifice, injustice, and fleeting hope, Steinbeck creates a raw, moving depiction of human resilience.

👉 If you want to read one of the most powerful and universal works of American literature, this is a life-changing book. Link to Amazon - but I am sure you can find it elsewhere as well.

To Kill a Mockingbird – Harper Lee

Cited for its honest gaze at justice and discrimination, it mirrors the moral contradictions in Pakistani society. Set in the 1930s American South, the story follows Scout Finch, who witnesses her father, Atticus, defend an innocent Black man accused of a crime he didn’t commit. Through Scout’s eyes, themes of prejudice, justice, and empathy unfold in one of the most important novels of the 20th century.

👉 If you value moral courage and human dignity, this is a noteworthy read. Link to Amazon

Love Story – Erich Segal

Short and heartbreaking, described as “a novel that belongs everywhere,” because it speaks of love universally and timelessly. The story follows Oliver Barrett IV, a privileged Harvard student, and Jennifer Cavilleri, a working-class music student. Their passionate romance defies social divides but soon faces unexpected tragedy. Segal’s direct, tender writing made this story a worldwide phenomenon.

👉 If you’re looking for a brief but deeply emotional love story, this one will stay with you forever. Link to Amazon

🇺🇸 American & Postcolonial Literature

The Bluest Eye – Toni Morrison

A powerful work on beauty, identity, and racism, read as a bridge between different forms of marginalization and as a mirror of social pressures. It tells the story of Pecola Breedlove, an African-American girl in the 1940s United States, who believes that only by having blue eyes she will be loved and accepted. With poetic, searing prose, Morrison addresses racism, imposed beauty standards, and the inner scars of exclusion.

👉 If you want to explore the roots of racism, the illusions of beauty ideals, and the fragility of the human soul, The Bluest Eye is a profound, haunting read. Link to Amazon

The Women of Brewster Place – Gloria Naylor

Explores the lives of African-American women in an urban housing project, drawing parallels with the everyday struggles of Pakistani women. Through interwoven stories of love, pain, resilience, and solidarity, Naylor builds a collective portrait that gives voice to those too often silenced.

👉 If you want a moving, powerful narrative that celebrates female strength and the ability to endure hardship, this book is unforgettable. Link to Amazon

The House on Mango Street – Sandra Cisneros

Told through short vignettes, this novel gives voice to the dreams and difficulties of a young Latina growing up in Chicago. Esperanza Cordero narrates her hopes, fears, and desires with freshness and authenticity, reflecting on identity, gender, and cultural roots.

👉 If you want an intimate, poetic story that illuminates resilience and the search for belonging, The House on Mango Street is a gem. Link to Amazon

Everyday Use – Alice Walker

A short story about memory and cultural heritage, exploring the tension between tradition and modernity. Through the conflict of two sisters, Maggie and Dee, Walker examines how we value — or reduce — our roots.

👉 If you enjoy stories that combine simplicity and symbolism, showing how heritage can be both conflict and strength, Everyday Use is a brief but striking read. Link to Amazon

Désirée’s Baby – Kate Chopin

With its tragic ending, this story underscores the weight of racial and social prejudice, echoing the “prejudices” at the heart of Unmarriageable. Set in 19th-century Louisiana, it follows Désirée, whose child’s birth unearths devastating truths about identity and discrimination.

👉 If you want a short, intense tale of love, injustice, and social cruelty, this is notable. Link to Amazon

Lullaby – Leslie Marmon Silko

A story of loss and memory, told through the life of Ayah, a Navajo woman marked by separation and trauma. Silko interweaves fragmented recollections with the strength of oral tradition, ending with a lullaby that becomes a symbol of resilience and cultural identity.

👉 If you want poetic, tragic storytelling that captures Indigenous experience and the power of memory, Lullaby will move you deeply. Link to Read it Online

Broken Transformers – Bi Shumin

A short story by Chinese author Bi Shumin, not officially translated into Italian. It explores trauma and inner scars left by personal and social struggles, adding an international dimension to the literary web of Unmarriageable.

👉 If you want to broaden your horizons with less-known global voices, this text shows the universality of human wounds. Link to Read it Online

Sunlight on a Broken Column – Attia Hosain

Darsee’s favorite book, which he gifts to Alys. Set in 20th-century Lucknow, it tells the story of Laila, a young woman torn between rigid traditions and her longing for freedom. It portrays a society in transformation during India’s Partition.

👉 If you want to understand the struggles and injustices faced by women during the Partition, this is a profound, eye-opening read. Link to Amazon

Train to Pakistan – Khushwant Singh

Set in 1947, during the bloody Partition of India and Pakistan, this novel depicts a village where Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs once coexisted peacefully until violence erupts. Singh offers a compassionate yet raw account of betrayal, tragedy, and humanity amid chaos.

👉 If you want to grasp the wounds of Partition and the weight of identity conflicts, this novel is essential. Link to Amazon

Mahalaxmi Ka Pul (The Mahalakshmi Bridge) – Krishan Chander

A short story set in Bombay (now Mumbai), using the Mahalaxmi Bridge as a symbol of social contrast and coexistence. Chander portrays the city’s pulsating life, with its wealth and poverty, hope and despair.

👉 If you want urban storytelling that reflects on inequality and the human condition in cities, this piece is sharp and evocative.

Sultana’s Dream – Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain

A feminist utopia published in 1905, imagining a society ruled by women, where men live in seclusion. Ladyland is a world built on peace, justice, and science, free from violence and inequality.

👉 If you’re curious about early feminist visions and radical social critique, this short text is a pioneering masterpiece. Link to Amazon

Herland – Charlotte Perkins Gilman

Another feminist utopia, published in 1915, depicting a society composed entirely of women. Three male explorers stumble upon this community, confronting a model of harmony, equality, and cooperation.

👉 If you want a thought-provoking and original feminist classic, Herland is a fascinating read. Link to Amazon

📖 Children’s & Coming-of-Age Literature

Anne of Green Gables – L. M. Montgomery

A classic of growth, imagination, and independence. It follows Anne Shirley, a spirited orphan adopted by mistake by two elderly siblings in Prince Edward Island.

👉 If you want a tender, inspiring, and timeless story about creativity and resilience, Anne of Green Gables is for you. Link to Amazon

Enid Blyton – Children’s Series

Beloved by Alys and her sisters, Blyton’s works shaped 20th-century childhood imagination, from The Famous Five to The Secret Seven and beyond.

👉 If you want accessible, adventurous stories for young readers, Enid Blyton remains a timeless choice.

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret – Judy Blume

A coming-of-age novel about Margaret Simon, a twelve-year-old navigating adolescence, spirituality, and identity. Honest and relatable, it touches on puberty, religion, and the longing to belong.

👉 If you want a sensitive, intimate story about growing up, this is a must-read. Link to Amazon

The Outsiders – S. E. Hinton

A cult American novel about rebellion and belonging. It tells the story of Ponyboy Curtis and his gang, the Greasers, clashing with the privileged Socs. Friendship, loss, and survival define their journey.

👉 If you want a raw, emotional look at youth, class, and loyalty, The Outsiders is unmissable. Link to Amazon

📚 Other Authors Cited

• Shirley Jackson

• Daphne du Maurier

• Dorothy Parker

• Agatha Christie

• Rudyard Kipling

• Edward Said (Orientalism)

📿 Religious & Cultural Texts

Bahishti Zewar – Ashraf Ali Thanwi(Heavenly Ornaments)A religious and practical manual for Muslim women, cited as an example of social control.

A Vision of HeavenA devotional text evoked in Alys’s lessons, reflecting on spirituality and society.

🎬 Films Cited

• Pride and Prejudice (BBC adaptations and 2005 film) — mentioned humorously by the characters as a point of comparison.

• Love Story (1970, based on Erich Segal’s novel) — a universal symbol of tragic love.

Why did Soniah Kamal include so many references?

One of the most surprising aspects of Unmarriageable is the dense web of literary and cultural references woven into the novel. Kamal doesn’t simply retell a story, she constructs a genuine intertextual dialogue, bringing Jane Austen into conversation with authors from different eras, cultures, and traditions.

This layering serves a double purpose: on one hand, it’s a tribute to literary tradition — especially to Jane Austen’s sharp irony and rebellious spirit, placed alongside female and postcolonial voices who exposed the injustices of their time. On the other, Kamal deliberately incorporates texts often overlooked in Western curricula, expanding the reader’s gaze toward a more global and inclusive literature.

At the same time, these references serve a playful function: they turn into a treasure hunt for the reader, a cultural game that invites us to spot the connections, recognize the quotes, and explore new works. It’s as if Kamal had left a secret map between the lines, guiding the most curious readers toward other worlds of storytelling. In this way, Unmarriageable is not only a retelling of Pride and Prejudice, but also a gateway to an entire literary universe waiting to be explored.

Conclusion

Unmarriageable is more than just a retelling of Pride and Prejudice: it’s a journey that intertwines literature, culture, and society. Through its pages, Soniah Kamal offers us a mosaic of voices — from Jane Austen to Pakistani writers, from Western classics to lesser-known texts rich in meaning. Each reference is a window into new worlds, an opportunity to reflect on how universal themes — love, prejudice, social conventions — still resonate today with the same power as yesterday.

For me, diving into this treasure of references felt like receiving a personal invitation to read more: not only to rediscover the great classics, but also to uncover lesser-known works that deserve attention. It’s proof that literature is an endless dialogue, crossing centuries and cultures without ever losing its vitality.

And if I had to add one more title to this list, it would certainly be Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie — a novel that, just like Unmarriageable, combines the power of personal storytelling with a sharp eye on historical and social dynamics.

Now it’s your turn: which of these books intrigues you the most? Have you already read any of the titles mentioned in Unmarriageable, or is there a work you’d like to explore further? Feel free to comment, share your thoughts, your reading experiences, or even just say hello. Every interaction will be a way to continue this literary conversation together.

 🔗 Goodreads Link: Unmarriagable on Goodreads

 🛒 Amazon Link: If you have not read Unmarriagable yet, you can find it here on Amazon

See you soon,

Daniela