The Wildcat Behind Glass by Alki Zei

The Wildcat Behind Glass by Alki Zei. Translated by Karen Emmerich. Restless Books, 2024, c1963. 9781632063649

Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 5

Format: ARC (5/24 publication date)

Genre: Historical fiction

What did you like about the book? This is a new translation of a classic of Greek children’s literature, and it really has a fresh, relevant feel. Melia and her sister Myrto love spending summers with her friends at the shore of their little island. And Melia is fascinated by the stuffed wildcat in the glass case in their living room. It has one black eye and one blue eye, and although her aunt tells her that the eyes are crystals, Melia feels that they are watching her. Do the wildcat’s eyes have anything to do with the recent upheaval in her family with the new dictator? Her grandfather and her cousin Nikos feel that the new government is terrible, while her aunt and her father just want to tow the line. Then Nikos disappears. Can the wildcat help?

This is a fresh and readable work of historical fiction, in the curious voice of eight year old Melia. It takes readers back to the 1930s, when Greece’s king has been deposed and a dictator has been installed. Schools are indoctrinating kids into ‘phalanges’ and asking them to burn books and steal supplies for their leaders. The sisters, who have always been close, are now divided on the issue. It’s fascinating to witness how the political climate can rend families, and to witness the rise of fascism in a western country, although Greece at the time is definitely not a ‘first world’ country. Melia and her sister are aware of the economic divide between her family and the impoverished kids living in shanties that they play with, but the social divide is less distinct. I think young readers will enjoy speculating about the wildcat, and will relate with the sisters’ relationship. And there’s some serious espionage that the kids are involved with that make this an exciting read.

A forward written by the translator puts the story in context with historical events.

Anything you didn’t like about it? No

To whom would you recommend this book? For middle grade readers who enjoy historical fiction. It could also be used as a supplemental read for history units on the rise of World War II, as it is based on the author’s childhood.

Who should buy this book? Elementary school and public libraries

Where would you shelve it? Fiction

Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? Near the top

Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State: Stephanie Tournas, Robbins Library, Arlington, MA

Date of review: January 23, 2024