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A review by awaywithforestfae
Varjak Paw by SF Said
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Another one I've read for work (I'm a year 4 teacher) and I thought this one was a lovely mix of dramatic and sweet.
When Varjak Paw's owner is dead and a strange and suspicious man has taken over the house, Varjak must leave his family and become a street cat. But he has someone to guide him. In his dreams, Varjak's ancestor Jalal, teaches him "The Way", a forgotten feline martial art. Can Varjak free his family, and can he figure out the mystery of the "Vanishings"?
I thought this book was a lot of fun, the concept of a feline martial art, and a cat trying to solve a mystery and save his family. I think my class will really enjoy this one.
There were some darker elements, particularly to the tail end (haha) of the book, which may be scary to younger readers (and to myself, who gets freaked out by these things). I thought it was useful to drive the plot forward though, even though it wasn't really my vibe. (See content warnings)
I didn't feel that invested in the plot. Of course I wanted Varjak to succeed, and to figure out the mystery, but I wasn't majorly attached to the characters, as I often am in books. But I still thought it was a solid narrative, if a bit strange.
I liked the focus on identity, and knowing oneself which ran through the book, and tied together Varjak's resolution. The theme of family and found family was also relevant.
All in all, a fun feline martial art middle grade, with some action, and darker undertones. I'd recommend to children who love cats, and action packed reads, with some mystery.
When Varjak Paw's owner is dead and a strange and suspicious man has taken over the house, Varjak must leave his family and become a street cat. But he has someone to guide him. In his dreams, Varjak's ancestor Jalal, teaches him "The Way", a forgotten feline martial art. Can Varjak free his family, and can he figure out the mystery of the "Vanishings"?
I thought this book was a lot of fun, the concept of a feline martial art, and a cat trying to solve a mystery and save his family. I think my class will really enjoy this one.
There were some darker elements, particularly to the tail end (haha) of the book, which may be scary to younger readers (and to myself, who gets freaked out by these things). I thought it was useful to drive the plot forward though, even though it wasn't really my vibe. (See content warnings)
I didn't feel that invested in the plot. Of course I wanted Varjak to succeed, and to figure out the mystery, but I wasn't majorly attached to the characters, as I often am in books. But I still thought it was a solid narrative, if a bit strange.
I liked the focus on identity, and knowing oneself which ran through the book, and tied together Varjak's resolution. The theme of family and found family was also relevant.
All in all, a fun feline martial art middle grade, with some action, and darker undertones. I'd recommend to children who love cats, and action packed reads, with some mystery.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty and Animal death