Love is not black and white …
… And neither does Europe. Colonization changed the situation of the world’s citizens. Since the reign of the African empire in Europe, the continent remains a gloomy place, full of prejudices and racial segregation. The rich class is called X’s (they are rich citizens of African descent), while zeros are called white subhumans serving their masters. In a class-divided society, conflicts arise and violence grows, as well as a feeling that is undoubtedly forbidden. Sephy, the daughter of a prominent politician and member of the ruling class, falls in love with Callum, a rebellious member of the white slaves. A nascent feeling should never ignite, and now… the young angry lurk in mortal danger.
Creativity and Originality – Young Adult Novel
The author of Iks and zeros is one of the most popular writers in the world today. She has been honored with many awards for her work, incl. Children’s Laureate, Eleanor Farjeon Award, Children’s Book Award. The discussed volume is the beginning of the Blackman series, which is mentioned as one of the best in the writer’s oeuvre (and appreciated all over the world). The topic of racism, ethnicity and violence in it is a valuable voice in the discussion about the present day. There are also references to the identity conflict which is a consequence of cultural and social changes in the novel. It is also worth noting that the BBC, on the basis of the conducted research, recognized Noughts & Crosses as the most-read novel for young people in England.
About the release
The novel, less than five hundred pages long, is an extraordinary reading adventure. Ahead of us is a prologue and eleven chapters that allow you to get to know both Sephie’s and Callum’s perspectives. The recipient has the opportunity to see not only the history, but also the excerpts from the reviews, confirming the artistry of Blackman’s proposal. Danuta Górska, who is responsible for the translation, deserves congratulations – the novel is read with the greatest pleasure. Nevertheless, I would like to point out that Noughts & Crosses is a novel not only about problems characteristic of the teen world, but also an alternative vision of the world. The lack of tolerance leads to divisions, and these to the perception of the world as white and black, without color. The book in question is needed not only by young people, but by all of us.
