NOUGHTS AND CROSSES
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Author: Malorie
Blackman Rating: 9/10 Pages: 454 Published
in: 2001 Main
Characters: Sephy, Callum, Jude, Kamal, Ryan, Jasmine, Meggie, Lynette |
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Synopsis: This is a story written by Malorie Blackman, and we are
introduced to 2 very socially-divided groups, the Noughts and Crosses. The Noughts
are seen as the ‘second class’ citizens, while the Crosses are highly revered
and perceived as the ‘superior race.’ The story begins with 2 very different teenagers,
with opposing personalities, traits, and of course, races. Sephy Hadley is a
14 year old young cross who is the second daughter of one of the most influential
politicians in the country, Kamal Hadley. Callum McGregor is the son of
Meggie and Ryan McGregor and brother to Jude and Lynette McGregor. He also
has a secret relationship with Sephy in a world full of racism. The plot of this story focuses on their relationship and
the difficult encounters at every turn that they have to face, lies, bullying,
peer pressure, hatred, etc. However, by reversing the racial stereotypes,
Malorie Blackman has shown racial prejudice in a ‘flipped’ perspective. It's almost unheard of for a Cross to be friends with a
nought, but Sephy and Callum are very close and eventually become lovers.
Even so, Callum sometimes feels Sephy doesn't understand the prejudice he
faces. Sephy is frustrated that Callum doesn't realise how hard she tries to
understand and that she has her own problems with her cold, snobbish family. After getting involved in terrorism, Callum realises that
he can no longer be safe with Sephy. After all the peer pressure he faces, he
finally decides to act upon this: betrayal. How did Callum betray Sephy? Will they ever be best
friends in a divided world? Read this book to find out!
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Why I liked this book: This was a very interesting story, having flipped themes
from today’s modern world. As well as being a compelling tale of love and
friendship, this is an outstanding and thought-provoking exploration of prejudice.
Sephy’s character is bold and unique, how she doesn’t understand why skin
colour is the cause of division and conflict. Callum’s personality is being
disturbed by peer pressure and love at the same time. I would highly recommend
this book as it was a clever way to write from a teenager’s point of view,
but also discussing devastating topics that happen today.
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