Noughts and Crosses

Noughts and Crosses 1

By: Malorie Blackman

Narrated by: Nina Sosanya & Nigel Greaves

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. Until the first steps are taken towards more social equality and a limited number of Noughts are allowed into Crosses schools.

Against a background of prejudice and distrust, intensely highlighted by violent terrorist activity by Noughts unable to accept the injustices any longer, a romance builds between Sephy and Callum; a romance that is to lead both of them into terrible danger.

©2004 Malorie Blackman (P)2004 Random House

Critic reviews

"An author who has worked hard not to be identified too closely with any particular genre, she has built a complex and challenging novel around an alternative version of apartheid." (The Scotsman)

Riveting

Such a great story. The characters were complex and caught myself both surprised & angry at the end….

GREAT BOOK

This was a very extent rich book it had a few plot lines that all link at the end it starts slow stick with it IS GETS GREAT

Compelling teen reading

This was my daughter`s favorite book when she was 13. I enjoyed listening to it - the actors are talented and the story moves quickly, if occasionally predictably. Some of the themes are more suited for older teens, but my kids were fine with them. I recommend this for kids 12-15.

Outstanding read

While starting off as a stereotypical teen romance set in a culturally/historically familiar backdrop, Noughts and Crosses eventually doubles back to avoid a predictable climax and storybook ending, displaying masterful writing and mature thematic elements. Not every small question or plot line is resolved, however, it mirrors the unsatisfactory ambiguity that reality brings. Truly an engrossing and thought-provoking read