Varjak Paw Paperback – May 10, 2005

This is a book that I read as a child and loved. I wanted to reread it but I did not expect much entertainment as an adult. I am happy to be wrong. I was just as engaged in both chilling and thrilling moments in this book, all these years later. It is a fun read at any age, though some moments could be frightening but it is a joy to love varjak paw. I am going to buy the sequel as well.

Welcome to the world of Varjak Paw where is Varjak's world everything is peaceful and quiet in the Contessa's house hold....... too quiet for Varjak Paw where he dreams of adventure and Outside. Shunned and disrespected by his own family Varjak wishing for a better life that this, but when a sinister Gentleman and his two menacing cats take over his home he and the Elder Paw a convinced that they are in terrible danger and they must find a dog to save them. Before heading out in the Outside Elder Paw tells Varjak about his mystical ancestor, Jalal and the powers that Varjak, himself may contain. After stalling two menacing cats Varjak escapes to the Outside. Not knowing what a dog is or where to find one, Varjak must venture into the city and find the very dog that will help save his family. Filled with excitement and adventure this book is an extraordinarily unique in it's own way.

The description made me sceptical, but upon reading this book, I was hooked. The first 10% was boring, nearly quit, but then the pace just grabs you. For a totally fictional/fantasy story, I was actually tearing up. The characters are so well brought out, I even liked the the baddies. The illustrations are downright awful, but you can ignore them, better if NO illustrations were in the book. The ending was a little too weird, but when you`'re hooked line and sinker, you read on. For some reason I got a feeling of Asian vibes? The pics had an Asian look about them, also, some grammar being used, felt Asian. It did distract me throughout the book, probably, the worst aspect of whole book. If set in Asia, be up front, so it does not distract.

Varjak Paw wants to explore outside the big house on the hill, but then he must leave home on a quest to save his family and bring home a dog, although he has no idea what a dog is, which makes it difficult to find one.The story is full of suspense; danger is everywhere. He finds two friends, and they help him explore the big city--not a safe place for cats--and there are gangs of cats to contend with, and there's the mystery of the Vanishings. The danger and suspense is non-stop; and though he finally makes it back home, his family, as before, is not supportive.He is mentored by Jalal, an ancestor, who teaches him The Way--a slow learning process--and finally home, he has even more to learn. The illustrations, which fill the book, are black and white sketches;and sometimes it's hard to read the print on a dark background.There is danger, suspense, and violence. It's recommended for young readers, though it's somewhat dark.

This book is brilliant. Everyone in my family has loved it!

This book is great for lovers of animals and off-beat stories. The writing is very atmospheric and leaves you wondering if the story takes place in the real world or some alternate universe. It presents a somewhat dark and scary world, and yet it shows that if you stand up for what is right, you will find good in the world. This book is great for young readers, but adults who like fantasy will enjoy it too.

Varjak Paw is a beautifully written book in which most of the characters are cats. It is a lovely little story, written in a fast moving style. The characters (mostly cats) are "true to life", based on my 50 years of experience. Children growing up in a household of cats will love this story while Adult readers will find it far more interesting than most children's literature. I strongly recommend this story (and its sequel) to anyone with children and cats.

A quintessential tale of an unlikely hero who had all the potential that just needed to be developed so he could reach his apex. Wonderful writing, descriptive and compelling. It's easy to forget you're reading a personified cat story - because the lessons are so relevant and reflective.