 | This article needs a plot summary. Please add one in your own words. (February 2024) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
 First edition | |
| Author | S. F. Said |
|---|---|
| Illustrator | Dave McKean |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Fantasy, Adventure |
| Publisher | David Fickling Books |
| Publication date | 1 January 2003 |
| Publication place | United Kingdom |
| Media type | hardback paperback |
| Pages | 255 |
| ISBN | 0-385-60415-7 (hardback) ISBN 0-552-54818-9 (paperback) |
| OCLC | 50938878 |
| LC Class | PZ7.S1315 Var 2003 |
| Followed by | The Outlaw Varjak Paw |
Varjak Paw is a 2003 novel written by British author S. F. Said and illustrated by Dave McKean. The illustrations in this book have a dark "gothic" quality. The novel received the 2003 Smarties Gold Award for the 6–8 years range and has been adapted for other media.
Characters
- Varjak Paw, a very young kitten and the protagonist of the story.
- Jalal the Paw, a Mesopotamian blue cat who ventured out into the Outside and found a home with the Contessa.
- Elder Paw, Varjak's grandfather and one of the few who remembers (part of) The Way of Jalal. And also the one that trusts and talks to Varjak in the family of Jalal.
- Sally Bones, the mysterious white cat who lords over the West Side of the city. She knows "The Way".
- Razor, Sally Bones' lieutenant.
- Ginger, the ruler of the East Side of the city.
- The Contessa, the old woman who owns the family of Jalal.
- The Gentleman, a mysterious man who appears one day at the Contessa's house.
- The Black Cats, two black cats that accompany The Gentleman, perfect fighting machines that are almost invulnerable.
- Cludge, a dog who Varjak meets and who saves him from the Gentleman.
- Julius Paw, Varjak's older brother
- Father, son of Elder Paw, father of Jay, Jerome, Jethro, Julius, and Varjak.
- Aunt Juni, mother to Jasmine, aunt to Jay, Jethro, Jerome, Julius, and Varjak.
- Mother, mother of Jay, Jethro, Jerome, Julius, and Varjak.
- Holly, Varjak’s future mate later on.
- Tam, a tabby cat and Holly, and Varjak's best friend.
Background
The book's title and protagonist's name come from Said's own cat named Varjak, whose name is a reference to the film Breakfast at Tiffany's. In the film, one of the main characters, Paul Varjak, has written a book called "Nine Lives". When he and another character look for the book in the library catalog, it is listed as "Nine Lives by Varjak, Paul".
Adaptations
Theatre
In October 2013, Playbox Theatre Company took on Varjak Paw in a major multi-media production.
Opera
In 2010, composer Julian Philips completed an opera on Varjak Paw, to a libretto by Kit Hesketh-Harvey, performed by The Opera Group in September–November.
Film
As of March 2006, Varjak Paw has been optioned by The Jim Henson Company to be developed as an animated family feature film, with Faith Fawusi as director.
Sequel
The book spawned a sequel in 2005, The Outlaw Varjak Paw.
References
- "Varjak Paw". Fantastic Fiction. Archived from the original on 31 March 2010.
- Roback, Diane; Brown, Jennifer M.; Bean, Joy; Zaleski, Jeff (28 April 2003). "Varjak Paw (Book)". Publishers Weekly. Vol. 250, no. 17. ISSN 0000-0019.
- Burkam, Anita L. (July–August 2003). "Varjak Paw". Horn Book Magazine. Vol. 79, no. 4. ISSN 0018-5078.
- "Varjak Paw (Book)". Kirkus Reviews. Vol. 71, no. 9. 1 May 2003. ISSN 1948-7428.
- "Smarties Book Prize winners 2003". CBBC Newsround. BBC News. 1 December 2003.
- "History". Playbox Theatre. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013.
- Dammann, Guy (29 September 2008). "Varjak Paw". The Guardian. Retrieved 14 December 2021.
- "Varjak Paw". The Opera Group. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013.
- "Henson plans 'Varjak Paw' animated film". Muppet Central News. 26 March 2006.
- Saecker, Tasha; Jones, Trevelyn E.; Toth, Luann; Charnizon, Marlene; Grabarek, Daryl; Raben, Dale (February 2006). "The Outlaw Varjak Paw". School Library Journal. 52 (2). ISSN 0362-8930.
- Gorman, James (12 February 2006). "'The Outlaw Varjak Paw,' by SF Said. Illustrated by Dave McKean". The New York Times. p. 19. ISSN 0028-7806. Retrieved 21 February 2024.
