Deborah Ellis, The Cat at the Wall, Allen & Unwin, Sept 2015, 160pp., $16.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781760112448
Acclaimed international author of the Parvana series, Deborah Ellis explores the raw and contentious themes of war, conflict and adolescence. The story is spoken from a unique, first person perspective, testing the ideologies of two completely different states of being, in two completely different circumstances. A once 13-year-old North American teen, Clare, faces all new issues and societal rules when reincarnated as a stray cat in Israel’s West Bank after her sudden death. In a fight for survival, she joins two Israeli soldiers as they commandeer a small Palestinian house, and a young, possibly autistic, boy they find hiding under the floor.
Throughout the story the text alternates between her two lives, connecting her current situation with memories of her troublesome, detention-filled, bullying and defiant days at school. One key link is the Desiderata; the poem of tolerance and of peace. It is one of reassurance for the frightened Arabic boy, whilst one of torture and punishment for Clare from her detention days. The intensity escalates towards the end as the story ties these common themes of terror, indignation, humanity, communication and goodwill together with opposing outcomes; one of ignorance that lead to her initial death, and one as an act of courage that helps to diffuse a potentially devastating conflict.
The author leaves her readers with opportunities to ponder unanswered questions long after the book’s conclusion. Her narrative is open and perspective vast as she explores the views of the teenager and the opposing parties; the Israelis and the Palestinians, simplifying the complexities of these issues enough for young teenagers to understand.
The Cat at the Wall is a deeply moving, gripping and memorable novel with scope for highly intelligible, political discussion and personal exploration among its young adult readers.
Teachers Notes can be found on the Allen & Unwin website.
Reviewed by Romi Sharp