Well it has been an eternity and here I am sat with some spare time on my hands and so I thought, why not write a review? As many of you know I am an avid reader and that hasn't changed in my lengthy Ciao absence. Anyway, so, I thought I would delight you all with a review about one of the best books I have read for some time.
The book in question is called 'Noughts and Crosses' and it was written in 2001 by British born writer Malorie Blackman. It is a testament in itself that I read the book in one day flat, which is impressive given the 500ish pages contained. I just couldn't put this book down, I was hooked from page one. Here's why.
Noughts and Crosses explores a world which reverses racial history. The 'Crosses' are the dominant race, while in contrast the 'Noughts' are nothing, they have no dark pigment in their skin and are considered unworthy. Noughts cannot attend the same schools as Crosses, they undertake menial low-paid employment, they are discriminated against openly and this discrimination is encouraged by the government.
I found this racial reversal fascinating and I think it is an ingenious idea.
The book is told from two perspectives, teenagers Callum and Sephy. Sephy is a cross, the daughter of one of the most powerful men in the country. Callum is a nought, a nothing, a nobody…. Callum and Sephy have known each other for years because Callum's mother was employed as a cleaner in their house. They think of each other as best friends and gradually these feelings grow….
Noughts and Crosses explores the illicit teenage romance between Callum and Sephy in a world where they simply cannot be together and as such it has been known as 'A book of love'. But this is not a cheesy love story. The book also explores the prejudices encouraged in the Crosses and the Noughts fight for justice against the discrimination they face.
The book has won a number of prizes including The FCBG Children's Book Award (2002) and the Fantastic Fiction Award (2004). But this definitely isn't a book that should only be read by teenagers as illustrated by its position at number 61 in the BBC's Big Read. I recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of literature because I fail to see how anyone couldn't be enthralled. It is a touching and dramatic book, which progresses quickly keeping the reader turning the pages at an alarming rate.
What's more, if you do enjoy Noughts and Crosses, there is good news. The book is the first part of a trilogy and I intend to read the second book Knife Edge (A book of hope, 2004) and the third Checkmate (A book of hope, 2005) as soon as I possibly can. Malorie Blackman has also written an amazing array of other book a list of which can easily be obtained online.
hey i loved this book and thanks for your rate on the stowells, like you i love my pinot grigio no matter what type xx
neeraum31 06.06.2007 16:14
Greta review, I really enjoyed this book, but I never quite got round to reading the rest of the trilogy, don't quite know why as they are on my daughters book shelf :-)
bazzaoleary77 08.03.2007 20:59
Another good review not my kind of read mind
Barry
Malorie Blackman is a fine, award-winning author whose work is always inclined to provoke ... more
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...
Postage & Packaging: £2.75 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Malorie Blackman is a fine, award-winning author whose work is always inclined to provoke ... more
debate amongst her readers, and indeed her peers. WithNoughts and Crossesshe surpasses expectation not only with her subject matter, but with the execution of a s...
Postage & Packaging: £2.75 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Malorie Blackman is a fine, award-winning author whose work is always inclined to provoke ... more
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...
Postage & Packaging: £2.75 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Advantages: Passionate writing, deep themes, excellent writing and there are sequels. Disadvantages: Too mature themes for very young readers and gets a little long-winded in the middle
Advantages: Tragedy, Romance, Hope, Politics and Action all rolled into one something for everyone Disadvantages: short, points brought across a little too soon
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