We Are Not Like Them

THE MOST IMPORTANT NOVEL YOU’LL READ THIS YEAR

‘Harrowing and heartening in equal measure, this book is a breathtaking tale of racial fissures, fury and friendship’ David Lammy, MP and author of Tribes

‘A powerful story about friendship, race, love, forgiveness, and justice – and the stunning ways they intersect…Empathetic, riveting, and authentic’ Laura Dave, bestselling author of The Last Thing He Told Me

‘A painfully amazing read teaching us that sometimes, when it comes to race, the real enemy is ignorance’ Rhys Stephenson, actor and TV presenter

‘Provides a starting point for conversations which are crucial, at times uncomfortable, but long overdue’ Ruth Hogan, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Keeper of Lost Things

* * *

Not every story is black and white.

Riley and Jen have been best friends since they were children, and they thought their bond was unbreakable. It never mattered to them that Riley is black and Jen is white. And then Jen's husband, a Philadelphia police officer, is involved in the shooting of an unarmed black teenager and everything changes in an instant.

This one act could destroy more than just Riley and Jen's friendship. As their community takes sides, so must Jen and Riley, and for the first time in their lives the lifelong friends find themselves on opposing sides.

But can anyone win a fight like this?

We Are Not Like Them is about friendship and love. It's about prejudice and betrayal. It's about standing up for what you believe in, no matter the cost.

* * *

‘Powerful and timely… explores every aspect of systemic racism, from micro aggressions to intergenerational trauma’ Guardian

‘Timely and important, I read it in one sitting but am still thinking about it weeks later’ Sarah Morgan, Sunday Times bestselling author

‘One of the most eagerly anticipated books of the year […] A brilliant novel from Christine Pride and Jo Piazza capturing today’s complex issues of race and class’ HELLO!

‘An absolute must read for your book clubs for debate and discussion’ Nina Pottell, Prima




Genre: Literary Fiction

"A powerful story about friendship, race, love, forgiveness, and justice – and the stunning ways they intersect. You will find yourself reading late into the night, needing to know what happens to best friends Riley and Jen, and simultaneously not wanting their story to end. Empathetic, riveting, and authentic, We Are Not Like Them will stay with you long after you turn the last page." - Laura Dave

"We Are Not Like Them is an extremely timely, brave and important novel. This much-needed book holds a lens up to our world and fiercely demands acknowledgement and accountability – a message which is all the more powerful due to the empathy and compassion with which Pride and Piazza deliver it." - Philippa East

"A brilliantly executed book that exposes the insidious everyday racism that continues to fester largely unchallenged within society…It is also a story of love and hope, because it demonstrates that with the will, with the courage, we can each of us do our bit to help effect a much-needed and decisive change. We Are Not Like Them is essential reading in the fight for compassion, empathy, and racial equality." - Anita Frank

"An incredible read. Powerful, emotional and very, very relevant. I didn’t stop thinking about it for days." - Lisa Hall

"Wow! Just wow. I haven't read a more gripping, socially relevant or prescient book for as long as I can remember. Everyone needs to read this book and it should be on the syllabus of every school." - Josie Lloyd