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Varjak Paw
Book Review
This is undoubtedly an important and powerful book. If I had to summarise it in three words I would say it’s about Courage, Trust and Friendship
Varjak Paw lives a completely ordinary, tedious and monotonous life in a Contessa’s opulent house with his family. They have never known anything but home. None of them want to step outside. None except for Varjak. He has vivid dreams of venturing over the desolate, overgrown wall that not only separated him from the outside, it was a colossal, lumbering guard over his dreams. One day, an uninvited, random stranger interrupted their dinner. He is gracious towards them and he pampers the already spoiled family of Mesopotamian blues with luxurious presents and fancy food. Whilst everyone was indulging in their decadent food, Varjak seized his chance and padded stealthily towards the barren garden. After many trials and tribulations, he is torn by excitement and guilt as he stands on the periphery of his home…
I loved the fierce personality and determination of Varjak and I felt a frisson of excitement as I ventured into the unknown unknown with Varjak, who crosses lines and breaks boundaries intrepidly while he faces treacherous street gangs, dastardly plots and behemoth beasts. I felt Varjak’s longing as his flame eyes wandered time and time again towards the ever closed windows imagining a fresh breeze rippling his silver aquamarine fur creating undulating waves. I felt Varjaks thrill as he strode towards the foreboding unknown and I felt Varjaks apprehension as he confronted colossal cars.
This marvel of a book is perfect for animal lovers and fans of adventure and comedy. Packed with in interesting vocabulary and captivating illustrations, this masterpiece by S.F. Said is something quite out of the ordinary.
Did you know? SF said said in an interview that Mesopotamian blues is actually a made up breed. He based it on Persian blues which are a real breed. “But Mesopotamia is a real thing. It’s the historical name of the land between Tigris and Euphrates river, in what is now Iraq”. To him, Mesopotamia means the origin and he wanted Varjak to discover his beginnings.
This is undoubtedly an important and powerful book. If I had to summarise it in three words I would say it’s about Courage, Trust and Friendship.
About the Book
Varjak Paw is a Mesopotamian Blue kitten, who lives high up in an old house on a hill. He’s never left home, until he receives a mysterious visit from his grandfather who tells him about The Way – a secret martial art for cats.
Now Varjak must use the Way to survive in a city full of dangerous dogs, cat gangs and, strangest of all, the mysterious Vanishings.
Author
S. F. Said
S. F. Said is a British writer best known for his acclaimed children’s and young adult books, including Varjak Paw and Tyger. Born in Lebanon and raised in the United Kingdom, his work is often inspired by myth, storytelling, and his multicultural background. He has received numerous awards for his contributions to children’s literature and is also active as a poet, editor, and advocate for reading.
Illustrator
Dave McKean
Dave McKean is a British illustrator, graphic designer, filmmaker, and photographer best known for his innovative, mixed-media artwork. He gained widespread recognition for his collaborations with writer Neil Gaiman, including the graphic novel The Sandman and the illustrated book The Wolves in the Walls. McKean is known for blending drawing, painting, photography, and digital techniques to create dark, surreal, and emotionally rich visual narratives.
Reviewer Profile
Radhika, 9
- Reviews: 13
- Likes: acting, guitar, maths, painting & daydreaming
- Dislikes : eating, running and loud noises
- Favourite Book: Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery
- Favourite Song: Golden by KPop Demon Hunters
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