Malorie Blackman, Noughts and Crosses Review

Overall Rating

This was a page-turning, heart-wrenching read, and it's one of the few books that's made me cry - in a good way. The story of an upside-down world with true human issues: the Crosses (daggers), the black leaders of society, and the Noughts (blankers), the lower-class proletariat, and the two children fall in love and turn those norms upside-down. It's simple, but brilliant.

As soon as I picked up this book, I just simply could not put it down; it just built up to this gigantic, unexpected climax that stayed with me LONG after I've read the book.
Even though this teenage love story is teetering on the cliche, it just doesn't matter; the story is just so fantastic. Noughts and Crosses just goes past all the typical teenage love drama and makes it something universal, something everyone can relate to - injustice, betrayal, hate, racism... second chances, childhood friendships.... the real meaning of true love.

Open this book with an blank, open mind and see what you come up with. Hopefully, you'll have the time of your life.