Noughts and Crosses: Noughts and Crosses 1

So, it started on TV last week, and then over the weekend the book appeared as a daily deal, thus leading me to buy it and read it for the first time. I had always been led to believe that this was good, but to my surprise it is a load of piffle. And before someone gets on their high horse and says how wonderful this is, let me explain. This provides us with an alternate world history, but where there actually should be one there is none, as everything here falls into our current world. So in reality if the events outlined here did happen, not only would things be different in reality, but also within the context of this book, after all people wouldn’t drive around in a Mercedes, nor would there be any Nobel prizes. This shows a complete lack of understanding about the world and ignorance, and if you think about it shows a deep lack of respect by the author for African culture and values.The religion as described in this book would not exist, things would be different both culturally and on many other layers as well, so this novel completely fails to build a believable world. The story then itself does not know what it wants to be, with a romance between the two main characters, and then trying to take in other elements. Going for a Romeo and Juliet feel the author has even given us a balcony scene and other pieces from Shakespeare’s play, but all done rather badly. Indeed, in Africa Shakespeare’s original play has been done with different colours and was very well received, whereas I cannot see what anyone can find appealing in this book.The author in her introduction here claims that she started this because of anger over the Stephen Lawrence murder, although one wonders if that was just something said to get on the money trail, because actually this has nothing to say about racism, as here all the author does is show that there are such people on both sides, which we already know anyway. So, this book has nothing to actually say, is poorly thought out and written, and add to this that the chapters alternate between the white male and black female main characters, so we do not have any depth as these are all in the first person narrative style and not done that well. The characters are poorly drawn, the situations are unoriginal and have been done numerous times before, and even the names are wrong. Talk about complaining about cultural appropriation, or misappropriation, this is done here on a massive scale.I am thus left dumbfounded by the fact that lots of people seem to like this piece of crap which has no saving grace whatsoever, and added to this there are at times words missing from the text, and even a bomb that goes off in a bin in the middle of a shopping mall is called a car bomb. If this had been put on here as a self-published book, I could sort of understand, but for a major author to publish this just really beggars belief.

I read this recently as it was on the reading list for a course in writing for children. I was sceptical as it was written many years ago (and we were told to read things published in the last 6 years). But wow – this is phenomenal! The writing style had me gripped from the beginning. Blackman doesn’t waste any time with fluffy stuff that’s not relevant, yet she crafts her characters so cleverly, I felt like I knew them really well by the end.I didn’t expect the ending either…

An interesting and challenging premise which I enjoyed. However, it was poorly delivered . I have been reading classic children’s (for early teens) books to my daughter and this compared poorly in comparison. The characters were pretty one dimensional and there was so much misery without let up. The love that blossoms between the hero and heroine was consummated in a way that was quite distasteful- especially for a book designed for teenagers to read . I will not be reading the sequel and will recommend others books to my daughter to read. A shame as I say the premise was very interesting

This book is on my daughters KS3 reading list. I decided to read it first as it's description gave me concerns over the suitability of it's contents. My daughter is 12. I would say that it is an easy read as far as the vocabulary is concerned. The subject matter is fairly grown up, with racism, suicide/ suicide attempts, a terrorist attack, hangings as capital punishment and a kidnap. However, as it is written from the perspective of teenagers, it is not too detailed and sympathetically written. I will be reading this with my daughter, but I expect it to lead to plenty of explanation and discussion. As an adult reading this book, I found it extremely absorbing and will be reading the rest of the series.

Arrived quickly and in good condition. Very interesting book. I am teaching it to my Year 7 English class. They are enjoying all of the issues it brings up. This is a dystopian novel. The first in a series. The Crosses are the powerful minority in a post apocalyptic society. They have the best jobs, housing and education. The Noughts are their servants. They have few rights and are understandably unhappy with their lot. The story centres around a forbidden relationship between a Cross girl and a Nought boy. It’s a complex tale and doesn’t have a happy ending. Well worth the read. My Year 7’s love it.

I am a not-so-young adult and I really enjoyed reading this.I wish I had read it earlier!I also love reading books before watching TV/ film adaptions.I can’t wait to watch it (though I’m sure it won’t measure up).We even decided to name our newborn Sephy (Persephone) after I read this during my maternity leave 😂

I really loved this book. Strong themes about racism where the people with brown skin are the ones who are in the ruling classes (Crosses) and the pale skin people who are working classes (Noughts) and those who are even less, Blankers. The book is really thought provoking and explores how the young people of opposite classes have tried to overcome the prejudices. Sephy who is a Cross and Callum who is a Nought have been great friends from childhood, attempt to overcome all difficulties. The two families are in conflict over the two young people. An excellent book by Malorie Blackman. I look forward to reading her other books.Would recommend to all young people from about 12years old, and to all adults.

5* because I felt every single feeling the characters felt. I was Sephy and Callum simultaneously throughout the entire book.I don't have much to write because I have too much to say. If I start, I won't stop.A must read.P.s. have some tissues at hand xx