Review: Varjak Paw

Varjak Paw by S.F. Said
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Once again a matriarchal society has been transformed into a patriarchal one, largely inhabited by male characters, but still, it's about cats, so I had to love it. Plus I really love that cover with the golden eyes. And yes, I did google to see if the breed really existed.

***

Casting about for the next read-aloud after the Penderwicks, we struck on this. Glad I finished it last month. Also, very glad that the McKean illustrations aren't as disturbing as the ones he does for Gaimain's books.

***

It's a cat adventure, therefor good. But this second time through, I'm thinking about the cliche of special training, and the hero who is unusually adept even before the training.

Also, I'm wincing from the contempt for the hunting abilities of pets. I know a cat who doesn't have claws and still managed to kill a mouse by pushing a carton of sodas over on top of it. Pets can kill, too.

***

2008 September 16

Ah, the ending is even better when I'm reading aloud. I"m already looking forward to the sequel.

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