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Noughts & Crosses

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Noughts & Crosses

By: Malorie Blackman
Narrated by: Paul Chequer, Syan Blake
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About this listen

 Sephy is a Cross - a member of the dark-skinned ruling class. Callum is a Nought - a 'colourless' member of the underclass who were once slaves to the Crosses. The two have been friends since early childhood. But that's as far as it can go. Until the first steps are taken towards more social equality and a limited number of Noughts are allowed into Crosses schools... Against a background of prejudice and distrust, intensely highlighted by violent terrorist activity by Noughts unable to accept the injustices any longer, a romance builds between Sephy and Callum - a romance that is to lead both of them into terrible danger... Fiction Growing Up Romance Discrimination Heartfelt

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Critic reviews

Blackman's absorbing but alarming novel deals with themes of racism and prejudice . . . Unforgettable
Stimulating and emotionally satisfying
A gritty read for older children . . . At times this is a beautiful love story; at other times it is a harrowing and moral tale...
Packs some powerful political punches...But Blackman never compromises the story, which is dramatic, moving and brave
Inter-racial teenage love has never been more painful (Amanda Craig)
'A crisp, well-constructed read... constantly instructive. It would make a wonderful television series. Let's hope somebody has the courage to make it'

'This incredibly powerful story snaps hold of the reader's mind and doesn't let go. Magnificent.'
'Startling and provocative - guaranteed to help young readers see events in a different way from the cultural and historical norm with which they have grown up... Blackman is known for her tightly plotted, fast moving fiction... with its powerful theme of racial injustice, Noughts & Crosses engages the reader at a greater depth and in a more demanding way than any of Blackman's previous work. I read it in one sitting, reluctant to put it down, and so, I'm sure, will many young readers'
'A book which will linger in the mind long after it has been read and which will challenge children to think again and again about the cliches and stereotypes with which they are presented.... a novel that will challenge and engage people from l3 up'
"A stimulating and provocative plot line that often leaves the reader chilled to the bone... Noughts and Crosses is written with the passion of an author who has a personal, chilling vision of the past, present and future. Blackman cuts to the bone, turning the preconceived ideas of racial prejudice upside down, ensuring tht her point is well and truly made in a deeply disturbing and totally absorbing novel with a shocking climax that packs an unforgettable punch." (Susan Harrison)
All stars
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Read this book as a kid and revisited recently, the voice acting made the book close to unbareable, it's a real shame as the book is great!

Great book awful voice actors

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All the more special as it was read by my late cousin Sian whom I loved very dearly including her two previous sons rest in perfect peace xxx

Brilliant book

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A superbly constructed insight into some of the worst aspects of human nature. Touching, poignant and hard-hitting all at the same time. Highly recommended for teens and adults. The sort of book that should help change the world.

Powerful, brilliant, touching

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Well written story. I loved the characters for their complexity and give a lot to think about.

I didn't like the narrator though.

good read

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This is one of the most thought provoking stories I have ever read and listened to, By turning the world of racism and bigotry on its head the author has made a startling radicle of Racism in Britain today. The two main characters are so believable and you warm to their story. Well don Marjorie Blackman your narrative is sublime. The two readers perform perfectly. A must red book, a must hear story

First rate writing

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