Varjak Paw

Rating:
Summary: It's a cat's life
Review: Enticed by the wonderful Dave McKean illustrations, I bought this even though it's a children's book. I love it! "Varjak Paw" is one of those crossover works which is sure to be a hit with young and old. I sense a cult classic in-the-making here. My only criticism is, I felt the ending was ever so slightly anti-climactic. Nevertheless, it's thought-provoking and highly imaginative, boasting a rich array of characters; some endearing, some scary - all memorable. It's also original, even if the 'hero having to learn and grow to find himself' theme is not. This book will stand up to repeat readings, which is important for young readers. You don't have to like cats to enjoy it, though you may look at them in a different way after reading "Varjak Paw".

What I would love now? For Pixar Productions, the makers of 'Finding Nemo', to make "Varjak" into a fabulous film.

Rating:
Summary: Just Pawfect!
Review: My sister mailed me this wonderful book from London and my two children (7 & 12) both loved it, as did my husband (43)! I'm so glad it's available here now, I've been recommending it to all my girlfriends.
In many ways it's a real old fashioned story, with lots of peril and excitement, love and hate, goodies, baddies, and something in between. But Mr Said has a sly, modern way with dialogue - much of the banter between Varjak and Holly took me back to those old screwball Cary Grant pictures - delightful!
And there's a good moral too, but it's never overdone. My youngest found some of the "uncanny" passages, with the half-dead toys a bit frightening, but she's forever re-reading it, and my eldest just loved all that!
One of those books you'd just love to see the movie of. Go buy!

Rating:
Summary: The Paw Lives!
Review: This is a wonderful book. Falling somewhere in between child and adult fiction (and so finding the rare alchemy of appealing to both children and their parents) SF Said has created a world that explores the spiritual essence of 'cathood' as well as written a sweet coming-of-age story about a kitten who has the wrong coloured eyes. But I don't want to mislead you with allusions to charm and loveliness - this features a real, and terrifying antagonist - the Man with the Black Shoes. He is accompanied at all times by two huge, black cats who will destroy and kill anything on command.

When Varjak escapes to the Outside world (from his sheltered, protected upbringing) to find a Dog to scare off the Man with the Black Shoes who has killed his grandfather, he meets Holly - a streetwise, scruffy cat who educates him to the rules of the Gangs and the strange occurrings of the Vanishings.

Whilst all this is happening in the 'real' world, in his dreamlife, Varjak meanwhile is being taught the seven secrets by his legendary ancestor. During these moments we disappear into orange Mesopotamia where Varjak learns to hunt, become 'aware' and 'shadow-walk'.

The book is illustrated by Dave McKean - and this collaboration works wonderfully. Not only are his drawings and interpretations beautiful and striking, but Said's writing at times feels directly descended from the simplicity of the verbal narrative of graphic novels. Thus McKean's drawings are not mere accompaniments to a text, but the story might feel lacking without them.

This is a new and exciting world, and accomplished in its apparent simplicity. But I assure you there is nothing simple about this book: you will be thinking about the story for days, and if you are anything like me, will re-read it immediately and compulsively.

Rating:
Summary: Varjak Paw
Review: Varjak Paw is a kitten who lives in an old house contentedly until his grandfather tells him about a secret martial art for cats. Now Varjak's journey away from his secure home depends on the Way for survival in a city filled with cat gangs and mysterious Vanishings. Varjak Paw is finely written, cat-based fantasy recommended for young adult enthusiasts of such imaginative fantasies as Watership Down.

Rating:
Summary: One Cool Cat
Review: Varjak Paw is a young cat -- an aristocat, if you will -- who doesn't fit in with his snobby family. When the cats' pampered way of life is threatened, Varjak ventures out into the big bad world to fetch help. Along the way he meets loyal friends, fearsome enemies, and learns a sort of martial art for cats that is not as stupid as I just made it sound.

This is one of the most well-constructed books I've read in a while. The writing is smooth and elegant, yet the adventure never lets up. Adult and young-adult readers will find much to enjoy -- and learn from -- in this exciting and wise tale.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent read-aloud for children 7 and up.
Review: Varjak Paw is the youngest cat in a cat family who want to sit and do nothing - they lack curiosity. His grandfather begins to tell him about the Way of Jalal, the cat martial art his ancestor invented, but Varjak is forced into the streets by strange intruders. He must make his way back to his family to defend both them and the other cats of the city using the Way of Jalal, which is taught to him by a cat master in his dreams.

This is a wonderful book, enhanced by vivid, stylised illustrations by Dave McKean, known for working with Neil Gaiman. There isn't any excessive cuteness, and the Horrible Fate menacing the cats is chilling. The illustrations in the middle of the pigeons in Trafalgar Square have real google-eyed pigeon personality. The writing is simple, not kids-book dumbed-down, and on the few occasions it doesn't meet its usual quality the illustrations carry it. Whether you're looking for a good young adult book, a good story, a 1st-class, non-sentimental cat book, or a tribute to kung fu flicks, this is an answer. Buy it, Little Grasshopper.

Rating:
Summary: Cat karate kicks tail
Review: Varjak Paw is the youngest cat in a cat family who want to sit and do nothing - they lack curiosity. His grandfather begins to tell him about the Way of Jalal, the cat martial art his ancestor invented, but Varjak is forced into the streets by strange intruders. He must make his way back to his family to defend both them and the other cats of the city using the Way of Jalal, which is taught to him by a cat master in his dreams.

This is a wonderful book, enhanced by vivid, stylised illustrations by Dave McKean, known for working with Neil Gaiman. There isn't any excessive cuteness, and the Horrible Fate menacing the cats is chilling. The illustrations in the middle of the pigeons in Trafalgar Square have real google-eyed pigeon personality. The writing is simple, not kids-book dumbed-down, and on the few occasions it doesn't meet its usual quality the illustrations carry it. Whether you're looking for a good young adult book, a good story, a 1st-class, non-sentimental cat book, or a tribute to kung fu flicks, this is an answer. Buy it, Little Grasshopper.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent read-aloud for children 7 and up.
Review: You don't have to love cats to love this book. Having read hundreds of books over the course of the year, my sons (7 and 8 1/2 years old) and I give Varjak Paw our "Book of the Year" award. We love it! It's supenseful. It's passionate. It has a fundamental message that everyone needs to hear: It's not your "pedigree" but rather your conduct that makes you valuable.