LoveReading4Kids Says
LoveReading4Kids Says
While “Do opposites ever really attract?” is at the heart of Anam Iqbal’s The Exes, this thrilling YA romance explores so much more besides — from the cut-throat world of rich influencers and gossip sites, to true friendship and cultural conflict in families.
It’s fair to say that while Zara and Karim are both Londoners, their lives in the city are very different. Thanks to being one of The Exes — a clique of super-wealthy, super- attractive west-enders — Karim is a mega online celebrity. Meanwhile, east-ender Zara keeps her head down, and aspires to be a dentist. That said, she’s also deeply brave when it comes to standing her ground, and strong when it comes to handling family conflict.
Through their alternating narratives, we see how sparks fly between the couple from their first frisson-charged encounters, which leads them to show each other around their version of London. As their relationship hots up, Zara finds her heart torn between two love interests, with her home life torn asunder when she’s compelled to make a stand against her strict parents. At the same time, Karim and his elite clique are being blackmailed by a hugely influential, anonymous celebrity gossip writer.
Ablaze with the passion and turmoil of first love(s), The Exes also shines a light on how the outward appearance of perfection is often at odds with the truth, and radiates the joy of true friendship and being true to yourself.
Joanne Owen
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About
The Exes Synopsis
Can opposites ever really attract?
When star-crossed lovers Karim and Zara's worlds collide, they have to work out just how far they’re willing to go to give their love a chance.
When Karim and Zara meet, sparks shouldn’t fly.
They’ve got nothing in common: Karim - with his on- and offline clique, The Exes - is a globally renowned influencer. Zara is just a normal teen, trying to get into uni, and not bring shame to the family by getting distracted by silly boys.
Sparks do fly though.
With Zara, Karim can finally let his guard down, while his glamorous world offers Zara an escape from her parent’s control.
But someone has their eye on them – a secret gossip who’s been spilling truths about The Exes for years.
While Karim and Zara’s dates get swoonier, the blogger’s posts get more personal – and more threatening.
Can Karim and Zara unmask their tormentor in time to get their happily ever after? Or does fate have other plans in store for them?
About This Edition
| ISBN: |
9780241662847 |
| Publication date: |
2nd May 2024 |
| Author: |
Anam Iqbal |
| Publisher: |
Penguin Books Ltd an imprint of Penguin Random House Children's UK |
| Format: |
Paperback |
| Pagination: |
393 pages |
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Press Reviews
Anam Iqbal Press Reviews
'A magnetic opposites-attract romance that's so much more than meets the eye! The Exes is a rich, layered story that doesn't shy away from the difficult topics, deftly exploring sexism, Islamophobia, and much more through characters who are flawed, real, and difficult not to root for.' - Author of Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating, Adiba Jaigirdar
'A smart, funny, heartwarming novel that perfectly captures the intensity of young love and the heartbreak of complicated family dynamics. I was completely immersed in the glamorous world of The Exes, spent the whole book cheering Zara and Karim on, and adored the rich fullness of all the friends and family who shaped their story. A brilliantly written debut that confidently explores important social issues through a story brimming with warmth and wit that that you’ll be thinking about long after you read the final page.' - Rufaro Faith
'The Exes is a brilliant, devastating and dizzying read that you’ll absolutely devour. Packed full of romance, heart, humour and an unflinching look at the impacts of culture and community both on- and offline, make sure you bump this to the top of your TBR!' - Author of the bestselling YA series The Kissing Booth, Beth Reekles
Author
About Anam Iqbal
Anam Iqbal is a debut author and her writing is inspired by her experiences growing up as a British Pakistani Muslim woman in London. She holds an MSc in Social Anthropology from the University of Oxford, where her thesis explored the identity of British South Asians in contemporary London.
In her spare time, you can find her swooning over romances on TikTok @anamiiqbal with her 40,000+ followers.
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