We Are Not Like Them: A Novel
“[A] propulsive, deeply felt tale of race and friendship.” —People
“We Are Not Like Them will stay with you long after you turn the last page.” —Laura Dave, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Thing He Told Me
Told from alternating perspectives, an evocative and riveting novel about the lifelong bond between two women, one Black and one white, whose friendship is indelibly altered by a tragic event—a powerful and poignant exploration of race in America today and its devastating impact on ordinary lives.
Jen and Riley have been best friends since kindergarten. As adults, they remain as close as sisters, though their lives have taken different directions. Jen married young, and after years of trying, is finally pregnant. Riley pursued her childhood dream of becoming a television journalist and is poised to become one of the first Black female anchors of the top news channel in their hometown of Philadelphia.
But the deep bond they share is severely tested when Jen’s husband, a city police officer, is involved in the shooting of an unarmed Black teenager. Six months pregnant, Jen is in freefall as her future, her husband’s freedom, and her friendship with Riley are thrown into uncertainty. Covering this career-making story, Riley wrestles with the implications of this tragic incident for her Black community, her ambitions, and her relationship with her lifelong friend.
Like Tayari Jones’s An American Marriage and Jodi Picoult’s Small Great Things, We Are Not Like Them explores complex questions of race and how they pervade and shape our most intimate spaces in a deeply divided world. But at its heart, it’s a story of enduring friendship—a love that defies the odds even as it faces its most difficult challenges.
In Christine Pride's "We Are Not Like Them: A Novel," readers are taken on a poignant and thought-provoking journey through the lens of a young African American girl named Naledi. Set in the not-so-distant future, the story explores a dystopian society where societal divisions have reached an extreme.
Naledi finds herself trapped in a world where the dominant narrative and power structures are deeply rooted in racial segregation and oppression. Her vibrant township, Zandspruit, is cut off from the affluent white suburbs by an electrified fence, creating a stark divide between the two worlds.
As Naledi navigates the complexities of her reality, she encounters a mysterious young man named Reza, who challenges her understanding of the world and the injustices she faces. Their connection sparks a powerful bond that transcends the barriers imposed by society, igniting hope and resistance within Naledi.
"We Are Not Like Them" delves into crucial themes of racial inequality, xenophobia, and the damaging effects of prejudice. It offers a profound exploration of identity, solidarity, and the indomitable spirit of those fighting for a more just and equitable world.
Christine Pride's compelling storytelling and richly drawn characters bring these issues to life, creating a deeply immersive and emotional experience for readers. "We Are Not Like Them" is a powerful reminder of the urgent need to confront and dismantle the systems of oppression that continue to divide and marginalize individuals and communities.
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