Book Review :: Noughts & Crosses, by Malorie Blackman

Noughts & Crosses by Malorie Blackman
ISBN: 0552555703
Series: Noughts & Crosses #1
Published by Corgi
on 2006-08-08
Genres: Young Adult, Dystopian
Pages: 479
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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?

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My Thoughts on Noughts & Crosses

I know I’m mega late to this party, but hear me out: There are so many books.

That’s it. That’s my excuse.

This summer I took a solo road trip, a road trip that was about 7 hours long. It was the perfect time to download an audio book and listen to a novel from start to finish in one swoop. Luckily listening at 1.5 speed all the way down the country meant that I only had about 15 minutes left when I reached my destination. With a little evening listening, I was finished. And boy am I glad I read this book.

If you’re into the Young Adult genre or dystopian themed stories then chances are you’ve already read Noughts & Crosses. If not, it tells the story of Sephy and Callum, a Nought with light skin and a Cross with dark. Noughts were once slaves to Crosses so any relationships between the two are basically forbidden. But Sephy and Callum, having been friend since childhood fall in love, the world goes crazy.

I loved this story. It was powerful and poignant, beautiful and sad, all at the same time. It was heart wrenching and heart warming, and the characters were brilliant. Even though I’m around 13-ish years late coming to this book (it about out in 2006), I’m now on the band wagon and hope to read the rest of the books this year.

Have you read the Noughts & Crosses series? What did you think?