A review by jwsg
Noughts & Crosses by Malorie Blackman

challenging emotional tense fast-paced

4.0

I came across Malorie Blackman when I happened to be browsing the British Library website and saw that they were organising an exhibition about her. Noughts and Crosses provides an interesting take on racism and prejudice, set as it is in an alternate society where the dark skinned Crosses are the elite and the light coloured Noughts (insultingly referred to as "blankers") are the oppressed underclass. Noughts and Crosses live in a segregated society - they go to different schools (where Noughts are traditionally not allowed to access higher education), shop in different shops, live in different neighbourhoods. The dark skin, dark hair and full figures of Cross women serve as the standard of beauty. Noughts are regarded as either dim-witted or up to no good. But Callum, a Nought, and Sephy, a Cross, have grown up together and are best friends. While Callum does recognise that society doesn't view relationships between Noughts and Crosses kindly, Sephy, with her privileged (read blinkered) is slow to understand societal realities and why Crosses, including her own family, are so invested in preserving the status quo. An interesting fictional treatment of race issues.