Product Description

Award-winning author Malorie Blackman tackles the issues of racism and prejudice in a world set in an alternate historical reality

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #23053 in Books
• Published on: 2002-04-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 208 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review
Malorie Blackman is a fine, award-winning author whose work is always inclined to provoke debate amongst her readers, and indeed her peers. With Noughts and Crosses she surpasses expectation not only with her subject matter, but with the execution of a stimulating and provocative plot line that often leaves the reader chilled to the bone.

Sephy and Callum have been best friends since childhood, and now they are older and they realise they want more from each other. But the harsh realities of lives lived in a segregated society are beginning to take their toll: Callum is a nought--a second-class citizen in a world dominated by the Crosses--and Sephy is a Cross, and the daughter of one of the most powerful men in the country. The barriers they would have to cross to be together at first seem little more than minor obstacles to the two idealistic teenagers, but soon those barriers threaten not only their friendship but their lives.

Noughts and Crosses is written with the passion of an author who has a personal message about the perception of the past, present and future, and Blackman has used the clever device of turning preconceived ideas of racial prejudice upside down to make sure that her point is well and truly made. Deeply disturbing and totally absorbing this novel is intriguing from the outset, with a shocking climax that packs an unforgettable punch. (Age 11 and over) --Susan Harrison

Synopsis
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...

From the Back Cover
Callum is a nought - a second-class citizen in a world run by the ruling Crosses...

Sephy is a Cross, daughter of one of the most powerful men in the country...

In their world, noughts and Crosses simply don't mix. And as hostility turns to violence, can Callum and Sephy possibly find a way to be together? They are determined to try.

And then the bomb explodes...

A gripping, stimulating and totally absorbing novel set in a world where black and white are right and wrong.

Customer Reviews

One of the most emotional books ever
I remember when I first picked this up in my school library, having heard from others it was a good read. I didn't know at the time that it was to become one of my favourite books ever. By the time, I reached the end of it, tears were pouring like Niagra Falls (James Blunt on the radio didn't help either). No book had ever made me cry before as much as Noughts and Crosses and I believe that Malorie Blackman was trying to tell us all that, if it were the other way around for black and white people (reversal of roles) would it really be any different than it is now?
I also went to see the play by the Royal Shakespeare Company at Christmas and I think I will remember the performance for as long as I live.

If you want a thrilling read that keeps you on your toes right until the end and that is well balanced with emotion, politics and morality, I suggest you consider Noughts and Crosses.

Not For Younger Readers?
(I am on my mum's account, just so you know)

Yes. Yes I am what you might class as being a "younger" reader at the age of 12. But, hey, just because I am young does not mean I can't grasp the concept of the book or that I'm too young to read some bits! I wouldn't have bought the book with what seldom pocket money I get if I hadn't been remotely intrested in the issues inside the book!

Anyway, that's beside the point.

Noughts and Crosses was the best book I have ever read. I don't know which hour I stayed up to to finish the book but it was very early morning. I couldn't put the book down for more than half an hour - literally - it only took me a day to read the book! (very, very good for my standards seeing as it took two weeks with the seventh Harry Potter!)

My point is that: If you are looking for an excellent book that displays modern issues - This is the one. Just read it!

Note: Also, I enjoyed the other two books of the sequence and I am sure the fourth book, "Double Cross," out in November with be a thrill to read too.

Genius!
This is by far the most exciting and dramatic book I have ever read! Malorie Blackman used a clever and effective plot which illustrates the difficulties and hardships of racism. The contrast between the two main characters in the form of two diaries were remarkable and I felt like you personally knew the characters. Four different people recommended the book to me from all different age groups (15, 15, 42 and 70). I have enjoyed this book tremendously, and am prepared to recommend this book to people of all ages except the younger readers under around 13 and diverse backgrounds. May, I say that I am a harsh critic when it comes to books so giving this a 5-star review doesn't come very often from moi! So give it a read!