Book Review: The Exes
A reflection on The Exes and the lessons it has taught me as a young Pakistani girl in modern British society
Spoiler warning for The Exes ahead!
Hi everyone! I hope you’re all doing well. I’m temporarily coming off hiatus to write a book review of The Exes by Anam Iqbal. I’ve been meaning to pick up the book for a while and I’m so glad I finally bought it on Thursday. The book, in my opinion, is everything the British South Asian community needs and more. I cried, laughed, and all sorts whilst reading the book.
‘Everything the British South Asian community needs and more’
Deemed as a ‘British South Asian Gossip Girl’ by the author herself, I knew I was in for a treat as I am an avid Gossip Girl fan myself. The book transports readers to the lavish London lifestyle of Karim Malik, elite member of famous group The Exes, a group of friends who create famous, worldwide content for their followers, who meets Zara Khan, a working class girl who tries her best to uphold her duties as a British Pakistani daughter. Their chance encounter sparks an unlikely love story full of twists and turns and Iqbal writes this impeccably.
One thing which really stood out to me about the book was the portrayal of the British South Asian community, especially integrating Islamic values in the modern societal context. I really commend Iqbal for writing about such challenging issues, especially about upholding the tradition and values of being a young British Pakistani girl in society today, as reading Zara’s story really resonated with me.
Near the end of the story, when the family argument escalates, Zara stands her ground and upholds her individual rights as a woman. That part of the book really brought me to tears as standing up to your family, as a woman for your own rights and beliefs, isn’t easy.
Another thing which I loved was the amalgamation of Islam throughout the whole book. The way Iqbal wrote about Islam so beautifully and effortlessly honestly left me speechless. One line which stood out to me was when Karim confessed his true feelings to Zara and mentioned how she felt like the morning prayer Fajr to him. ‘Being with you feels like…fajr. The time between dawn and sunrise when the world is still sleeping, and you rise to pray and savour the blessing of that moment.’ This line was so timeless and stunning, I was so lost for words when I read it.
The plot and flow of The Exes was straightforward and easy to grasp. The book beginning and ending with the ominous tone of Mr Ex was perfect in my opinion. Although the gossip blogger was never unmasked, I liked the intrigue Iqbal left for readers as there were numerous characters it could have been. The imagery throughout the book was another thing I adored, I loved stepping into both lifestyles of Karim and Zara.
However, one thing which stood out to me the most throughout the book was the characterisation of each of the characters. I loved how Iqbal brought a sense of uniqueness and undeniable individuality to each of the friends in The Exes group, Felicity, Abeo, Chloe and Karim. Their humour, wit and charm really kept me smiling throughout the book (especially Abeo’s). Zara’s friends, Saliha and Imran, were equally as impressive and I loved how they played into certain stereotypes of the British South Asian community, namely Imran as the ‘bad boy’.
Overall, the book is a clear five star read from myself. Parts of the book left me speechless, others in tears but I’m really grateful to have finally picked it up for myself. Thank you for writing such a poignant, inspiring book for the British South Asian community, Anam. We need more people like you in this world.
I am super excited to read it.
Your review has convinced me to add ‘The Exes’ to my reading list. I’m so excited to explore the themes and unique elements you’ve highlighted, especially the way Iqbal integrates the representation of Islam and the rich characterization. It sounds like a book that offers both emotional depth and engaging storytelling. Thanks for the recommendation, I can’t wait to dive into it!!!