Varjak Paw
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Varjak Paw is a book by S.F Said and illustrated by Dave McKean. Varjak Paw is a small Mesopotamian Blue kitten who lives with his family in the Contessa's house on the hill. One day a large gentleman and two mysterious black cats come into the house. Grandfather Paw and Varjak know there is something wrong. The family then splits up and Varjak has to go to the city to find a dog. In Varjak's history is a legend of Jalal Paw, and Varjak must learn the secret cat martial arts called the Way. This kitten must find his way through the city, dogs, cat gangs and the most mysterious strange Vanishings.
SF Said is not known to have commented in the similarities in the names in the book and those in the film version of Breakfast at Tiffany's.
[edit] Characters
- Varjak Paw
At the start just a young kitten, ridiculed by his brother and teased by his cousin, Varjak is only content when listening to stories of Jalal, his great ancestor. But when a strange Gentleman and his black cats move in, Varjak is told by his grandfather that he needs to find help from Outside, in the form of a dog. Varjak then becomes entangled in street brawls and Vanishings.He also receives training from Jalal who takes him to Mesopatamia in a dream and teaches The Way, an ancient fighting skill. With the Way on his side Varjak stops the Gentleman's schemes with the help of his friends Holly, Tam, and a lonely street hound named Cludge.
- Jalal
The first Mesopotamian Blue to reach the Contessa's house, Jalal was one of the greatest feline warriors the world had ever known, due to his skill with The Way. Jalal visits Varjak's subconciousness and teaches him The Way, leading Varjak to be as great a warrior as his ancestor.
- Holly
A friend that Varjak meets Outside, Holly is initially wary of Varjak but warms to him by the end. It is her intervention that saves him from Ginger and his gang.
- Tam
Holly's good friend, always searching for things to eat. Tam vanishes part way through and is rescued by Varjak and Holly.
- Elder Paw
Varjak Paw's grandfather and one of the few who remembers The Way. Elder Paw sends Varjak on his quest after being shamed at the family council. Elder Paw is killed by the gentleman's black cats.
- Sally Bones
Boss of the West Side, Sally Bones is a mysterious white cat who also has a good knowledge of the Way. Varjak is almost killed by her and is only saved when Cludge arrives.
- Ginger
Boss of the East, Ginger's control over the city is weakening as Sally Bones moves in on his turf. He defeats Varjak, but leaves the cat alone after a word from Holly. Ginger's fate is unknown.
- The Contessa
The old woman who owns the house Varjak and his family lives in. She disappears when the Gentleman arrives.
- The Gentleman
A mysterious man who appears one day at the Contessa's house. He brings two black cats who kill the Elder Paw and is discovered later by Holly and Varjak to be responsible for the Vanishings.
