FORMAT: DELUXE HARDCOVER | RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW
Malorie Blackman’s 2001 novel Noughts and Crosses is quite rightly regarded as a modern classic. It’s a carefully managed and brilliantly rendered use of science fiction to pull the problems of the modern world into sharp focus. It’s also an addictive and compelling tale of love, loss and bigotry.
Set in a place called Albion during a very familiar looking 22nd century, this is a dystopian tale of star-crossed lovers, racism and political struggle. In this world the course of human history has been very different and yet it is all too familiar. Humanity has been divided into two races; the darker skinned Crosses (who hold all the power) and the Noughts, lighter skinned folk who are second class citizens at best.
Our protagonists are Sephy, a cross and Callum, a nought. Childhood friends, they keep their relationship a secret from a society that does not accept interracial relationships. As their feelings for each of other grow, the society around them continues to fall apart. With the world against them in every possible way, they endure. Thought provoking and challenging, Blackman’s work is a must-read for pretty much anyone who’s ever looked at a news report. It’s a powerful story and was recently adapted into a hit TV drama.
This Folio Society version is of course, absolutely gorgeous. We’ve come to expect a level of absolute quality from the Folio Society. It’s a solidly set hardcover book with a striking slip-case and brilliant cover art featuring both Sephy and Callum.
Illustration © Kingsley Nebechi 2021 from The Folio Society edition of Noughts & Crosses
London-based Nigerian illustrator Kingsley Nebechi illustrates the book and each plate is clearly a labour of love. The style blends distinctive African art-styles and comic book sensibilities to create something unique. Each plate perfectly complements and encapsulates the chapter it accompanies. They are powerful, striking and will stay with you for a long time, much like the text itself.
This is a strong addition to anyone’s shelf, and a must have for fans of Blackman’s work.
The book comes with an introduction from British writer and dub poet Benjamin Zephaniah. He explains what the book means to him and more importantly talks about the novel’s enduring appeal and how it’s not simply a book about racism or a reworking of Romeo and Juliet. It’s a solid introduction from one of the most eloquent writers alive today.
The Folio Society edition of Malorie Blackman’s Noughts & Crosses, introduced by by Benjamin Zephaniah and illustrated by Kingsley Nebechi, is available exclusively from www.foliosociety.com
