Noughts & Crosses by Malorie Blackman

NOUGHTS & CROSSES BY MALORIE BLACKMAN

 

 

 

PLOT:
Two young people are forced to make a stand in this thought-provoking look at racism and prejudice in an alternate society.

Sephy is a Cross -- a member of the dark-skinned ruling class. Callum is a Nought -- a “colourless” member of the underclass who were once slaves to the Crosses. The two have been friends since early childhood, but that’s as far as it can go. In their world, Noughts and Crosses simply don’t mix. Against a background of prejudice and distrust, intensely highlighted by violent terrorist activity, a romance builds between Sephy and Callum -- a romance that is to lead both of them into terrible danger. Can they possibly find a way to be together?

REVIEW:
I brought this book at a second-hand shop without much thought, I thought it looked interesting and liked the sound of the storyline, I got it home and started to read it. I didn't like it from the beginning. I forced my way through 4 chapters, then I gave up. I put it on my shelf and picked it up again a few months later, I got a few more chapters in then gave up again, I didn't like it at all.

In my year 9 English class, Noughts & Crosses was the book we had to study. We studied it in agonising detail, which fuelled my dislike (later hatred) for this book even more. I found the storyline to be predictable and the idea of role reversal, I thought to be unoriginal.

Overall, I really didn't like this book and think it is overhyped.

~LW