Date Finished: 10/08/2012
My Rating: 4.5/5
I have previously read quite a few of the books on this list and at least heard of most of the rest, but not so with Noughts and Crosses. I had no idea what it was going to be about, when it was written, or what style it would likely be in.
I will also hold my hand up and say that I judged this book by its cover, and had an inkling that I wouldn't like it. But, true to the saying (and appropriate considering the subject matter of this novel), you really should never judge a book by its cover, because I LOVED it! Exciting, intriguing, and I just couldn't put it down.
The premise of the story isn't entirely original, two groups of people struggling in a world of prejudice. On the priviledged side are the all-powerful 'Crosses' and the other are the suppressed 'Noughts', who had been slaves to the ruling class. There's also something of a love story throughout the book between the children of the two central families, obviously one a Cross and the other a Nought.
There are some really poignant moments amongst a story that has a clear social message, tackling such important issues as racism. The friendship and subsequent romance of Sephy and Callum leads them into inevitable danger.
So, who should read this book? I think Noughts and Crosses has something for everyone. The romance part of the book isn't so important that it would put guys off reading it, it's pretty gripping and exciting and the moral element is enough to make anyone sit down and think about not just how far we've come as a society, but how far we still have to go. An excellent read.
Next Book: Crime and Punishment, Fyodor Dostoyevsky
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