'Noughts and Crosses' by Malorie Blackman

Ok. I started this book last night, and didn't move today until I finished it a couple of hours ago (I have an A-Level exam tomorrow, so that was unwise) . I was so so wrapped up in it and I neeeeeed to discuss it with someone, or at least hear some views! I just can't make sense of it, of the misunderstandings, the sadness, the way it had to be. I cried so so much at the end, not the usual sentimental tears that come with the knowledge that it's fictional but real physical hurt - it seemed so real and possible and through Blackman's brilliant writing I felt like I knew the characters so well. I just willed that ending not to be true so much. Please share your experiences of reading this with me and each other!

Amazing book. I loved it, although the ending was heartbreaking. It's one of those books that you finish and then just feel completely stunned. Really thought-provoking as well with the (colour reversed) parallels of real historical events.

I was quite disappointed in the sequel to be honest. I wish she'd just written the one book and left it at that.

I really, really love this book, it's so heartbreaking. I too found the sequel rather disappointing - it's called Knife Edge *starry_eyed_*

I really, really love this book, it's so heartbreaking. I too found the sequel rather disappointing - it's called Knife Edge *starry_eyed_*

at last! someone who knows what book i'm talking about! this is a truly amazing book with such beautiful words. i'd describe it as a contemporary romeo and juliet, with issues of racism and destruction.

what's the sequel to this book???

Noughts and Crosses - wasn't that Ian Rankin's first book????

I see what you mean about Romeo and Juliet, but I felt this so much more powerfully than when I read that. Not that that wasn't a classic or anything, it was! I just felt so involved with these two characters - like I really really knew them. Their misunderstandings and the things they left unsaid were so frustrating! I thought that was a brilliant technique though - to flip between the two perspectives from chapter to chapter. It made me so able to engage with the characters. And obviously I probably find them easier to relate to than Romeo and Juliet given the context etc - although essentially the story is timeless, or it wouldn't have worked would it lol. Rambling.
I just wish it hadn't ended that way. I genuinely feel like I'm in mourning! Overeacting I know but it was heartbreaking. Well done Malorie I guess! Must be amazing to be able to do something that moves people so much.

I haven't read noughts and crosses but I've read 'thief'. I thought that was good.