Book Review: Noughts & Crosses by Malorie Blackman

Noughts & Crosses by Malorie Blackman is a classic dystopian tale that explores love, heartbreak, loss, and racism. It is a novel everyone should read.

Malorie Blackman is perhaps one of Britain's most well-known authors, with over 70 books and 20 award wins to her name. She has an OBE, was the Children's Laureate and is regarded as a literary icon.

With that in mind, I don't know why it took me so long to pick up and read her novel, Noughts & Crosses. Especially since I'm an avid reader of young adult literature and dystopian novels.

Noughts & Crosses had been on my Kindle for so long, and to mix up my summer romance reads, I thought I'd finally delve into the dystopian world that Malorie Blackman has created.

The book has also been turned into a television series, which I've not seen yet. However, now that I've read the book, I want to share my thoughts with you all.

So, continue reading to see my review of Noughts & Crosses by Malorie Blackman.

Review: Noughts & Crosses by Malorie Blackman

Genre: YA dystopian

Tropes:

• Forbidden romance

• Opposites attract

• Childhood friends

• Star-crossed lovers

Rating: 6 Stars

Noughts & Crosses is book one in a series. The synopsis of the book is:

'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?'

Credit: WriteWatchWork

On the surface, Noughts & Crosses is a book about young love between two childhood friends who are destined to be enemies. However, it is about so much more than that.

It is a seminal piece of YA literature that could be regarded as a modern classic. It is a love story, but it is also a dystopian novel that explores themes of heartbreak and racism and terrorism too.

When I read Noughts & Crosses, I had a basic idea of the plot. I knew it followed Sephy, a young black girl in a privileged position within society, and Callum, a young white boy, who was looked down upon by all Crosses.

The book begins with them as children. Callum's mum worked for Sephy's family as a cleaner, which allowed Sephy and Callum to form a friendship from a young age. But after one incident, things take a turn and their families are no longer on friendly terms. As a result, Callum and Sephy meet in private.

Noughts & Crosses is a dual point of view novel, with each chapter alternating between their perspectives. It is also written in the first-person, which allows us as readers to receive a whole 360 degree view of both characters and the world they inhabit, which is vastly different between the two.

Sephy is a Cross, and her family have a position of power. Her dad is a highly respected politician, and because of her place in society, she doesn't completely understand the prejudice or racism that occurs against Noughts. She is a sweet character, and I loved watching her transform as the novel progressed.

She may have started the novel as a bit naïve and hopeful for change, but by the end of it, Sephy is mature, self-sufficient and independent in both her actions and her thinking. She is devoted to Callum, despite learning about the harsh realities of their world.

Callum, the youngest of three siblings, knows life as a Nought isn't good. He isn't granted the same rights as Sephy, and that much is clear when he becomes one of four Noughts allowed to attend Sephy's school. Throughout the novel, Callum's awareness of the divide between races grows, and he takes steps to fight for freedom, following in his father's and brother's footsteps.

Both Callum and Sephy are gripping narrators. Their voices are distinct, and the dual POV gives us a direct line inside their heads, so we can witness their thoughts and feelings.

Noughts & Crosses isn't an easy read. There are twists and turns throughout the story, and tragedy strikes more than once. Questions are raised.

All the way through, I feared reaching the end because I just knew something bad was going to happen. With Noughts & Crosses being a series as well, I had a feeling it wasn't going to end on a happy note, which I've come to expect with dystopian novels.

But what blew me away whilst reading Noughts & Crosses was Blackman's writing, the thematic exploration and the relevance of it.

This book was published in 2001 — the year I was born — but it still felt relevant today. Through Callum and Sephy and their situation, Blackman explores what it's like to be looked down upon by society because of the colour of your skin; she conveys racism and terrorism in ways that are thought-provoking and also terrifying, generating empathy from readers for both protagonists.

And because of the topics explored, Noughts & Crosses is still relevant today. We live in a world where there are still divides between races and ethnicities. It makes you question the society we live in through the dystopia in the novel.

Blackman's writing is effortless. She has crafted a fantastic dystopian society through human behaviour rather than any otherworldly aspects; her characters are all realistic and could be real, living, breathing people. The best thing was that despite fearing the end, I couldn't put this book down.

Noughts & Crosses by Malorie Blackman is an incredible piece of young adult literature.

If you love YA books, dystopian novels, or thought-provoking stories, then this is for you. I am so glad I finally read Noughts & Crosses, and I will be reading the next book in the series, Knife's Edge.

But if you do choose to give Noughts & Crosses a go, let me know in the comments below what you thought of it.

Until next time...