Just because a book has been critically acclaimed and praised to high heaven doesn’t mean you’re gonna like it.
Noughts and Crosses is one of those books. I can see why it’s been praised: the premise is original. It’s about a world where white people (known as noughts) are perceived as second-class citizens in a world dominated by black people (Crosses). I think Malorie Blackman is a wonderful woman – I’ve read interviews with her and she’s very inspiring. So many people have urged me to read this book, including two teachers I know mainly because it delivers some very strong messages and has a rock-solid moral core to it.
But the novel – I just can’t get through it. Sorry! I really want to but I just can’t. I think I’m struggling with the writing style, it’s just not for me. And certain elements – for example, one of the main characters, a 14-year-old girl, develops a drink problem – just aren’t convincing enough. There are strange naive turns of phrase too but maybe this is an attempt to deliver copy in a teenage voice? O my, I so wanted to like it but, hands up, I’ve given up.
Ha ha, you can SO tell I don’t wanna criticise it, don’t you? But there you go, it just hasn’t worked for me so am putting it down and I’ve picked up The Luxe by Anna Godbersen which is madness because it’s the total opposite to Noughts and Crosses. But my gosh, it’s beautifully written. The characters are convincing (if a little stereotypical). I feel like I’m sitting down to a lovely garden party feast as I read it. I’m not sure it has any deep moral issues to explore, like Noughts and Crosses but it’s pure entertainment. Mebbe that’s what I need right now.
Ooooooh, what I need to add is that I’m rather excited about a book that’s coming out next year: Sarwat Chadda’s The Devil’s Kiss about 15-year-old Billi, the first-ever girl to (reluctantly) join the Knights Templar Order. It sounds sooooooo fab and can’t wait to read it. Sarwat writes a cool blog, check it out here.
x
7 responses so far ↓
C.C // January 24, 2009 at 2:12 am |
Yup! Even though I adore this book, I get exactly what you’re talking about. Sometimes really “amazing” books get recommended to me, but I guess they’re not “my type” of books. (Examples being The Bluest Eye and The Lovely Bones)… I mean, I get the theme of it, but it just doesn’t exactly move me to pieces.
Casey // March 23, 2009 at 9:49 pm |
i think this book is amazing! i mean i get what you guys are saying but come on! this women put all of our world issues into this book, the way she wrote it, the symols behind it e.g crosses – cathlolics, crossmas – christmas, refering to jews and how they dont have christmas. the way she wrote this book is amazing..i never knew how other religions and races were treated so poorly. Im 15 this year and i must say to think of me being that person treated like shit, i dont think i could cope, i dont think i could survive! Why are we so racist? why are we so ignorate to our own? why are we backstabbers, liers, cheats, bitches to the people next door? Religion has caused more wars, racism has caused more hatred and countries have caused more greed but all of these issues are caused by HUMANS.. if we are so smart then why dont we start acting like it and get over where we came from, what sex we are, what race where from or what god we follow.. we need to show we care not to god, not to animals, but to us and the people around us.
rhubarbruby // March 24, 2009 at 3:47 pm |
Hi Casey, I 100% see where you’re coming from and agree, it’s an amazing book in terms of the issues it addresses. I guess I was just commenting on the writing style, it just didn’t ‘do it’ for me. But then you’re the target market – a strong teen with interesting stuff to say so she MUST be doing something right if you like it
Your post is pretty inspiring. 
Kavitha // March 27, 2009 at 8:02 pm |
I absolutely love this book – it is the best book ever! The ending of Noughts and Crosses where Callum dies made me cry. These are the only series which have made me do this as I have never cried for any other books. I didn’t really enjoy Knife Edge though as there wasn’t much happening. However Checkmate and Double Cross are excellent. You are the best author EVER!!!
kerry // May 4, 2009 at 1:54 pm |
Please tell me what age group this book is aimed at? Because i agree in that the characters aren’t convincing and some of the things said are unrealistic. However; i also admit that the author cleverly incorporates important contemporary themes. what i really want to know is what age is this book aimed at???
rhubarbruby // May 4, 2009 at 3:16 pm |
Hi Kerry, I believe the book’s aimed at the teen market (12-16). All the books I review on here is aimed at young adult / teen.
Anna // November 17, 2009 at 9:35 pm |
This book was so good, I could hardly put it down!! This is my 5th time reading it, and I can’t figure out if I like it more than the Twilight series, or Harry Potter. Malorie Blackman is def the most amazing author though. I loved this book, but it is not for children under 12. def not.