Althea M. (althea) reviewed on 9/16/2008 + 774 more book reviews

I saw this book in the store, and the cat on the front cover was so adorable that I had to buy it for my sister. Of course, then I had to read it before giving it to her!
This is definitely a kids' book - not even YA, but for younger children.
However - it's also an excellent book. McKean's illustrations are perfect for the characters and the story.
Varjak is a young Mesopotamian Blue cat who's been brought up to think he's something special. However, when his owner disappears and a strange and sinister man appears in his family's house, a dream connection with his legendary ancestor leads him to venture into the dangerous outside world, where he learns to reevaluate his priorities - as well as questing to save his family from the danger he's sure they're in.
It's a sweet story - but it's also got some genuinely spooky elements - and it's definitely in the realm of the fantastic.
Oh yeah, and did I mention how excellent Dave McKean's illustrations are? He rocks!

(Although, just to clarify, the other reviewer is incorrect. This is an illustrated novel, but not a graphic novel.)

Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details