The Wildcat Behind Glass

In 1936 two young sisters, Melia and Myrto, are excited to spend the summer running around the small Greek island they live on and getting to see the older cousin they idolize, Nikos, who makes up great adventure stories about the taxidermied wildcat in their aunt’s living room. However, fascism is a looming threat and starting to put pressure on their family, particularly their academic grandfather and the revolutionary Nikos. Soon some of their friends prove they can’t be trusted, and others desperately need their help. The girls are divided as Myrto joins the youth nationalist club. Nikos is wanted by the new dictator’s police and must hide, but he leaves clues for Melia in the mouth of the wildcat, so she can help him with his show more fight.

A lovely classic middle-grade story. Melia starts out very free and trusting of everyone, but sees the fascism creeping in the same way that the reader does. She keeps the sense of justice that she had from the beginning, but fine-tunes it as she learns more about the world. The role of the stuffed wildcat is perfect, starting out as a metaphor and fantasy but evolving into a literal hideaway and facilitator of resistance.
I knew nothing of modern Greek history and was not aware that they had a fascist dictatorship in the 1930s along with all their neighbors, so I appreciate this for filling a gap in my knowledge in addition to just being a good book. show less

This is one of those rare reads, which masterfully weaves emotions and thoughts using imagination and harsh reality to deliver a tale that transcends age and time.

Melia can't wait until their cousin Nikos returns and continues his stories about the stuffed wildcat, which stands in a glass case in their living room. It was killed after swimming across the ocean from the mainland to their Greece island and has two, differently colored eyes, always showing only one according to its mood...according to the stories. This time, Myrto is exceptionally excited about Nikos arrival because life around them is getting a little strange. The adults whisper and gossip about the king, dictators, and possible unrest, and Myrto is told to watch what show more she says or her father might lose his job. When Niko arrives, he tells his stories and plays with Myrto and the rest like always...but something's changed. His tales no longer are fueled by fantasy but carry information about the world. When he speaks about a war in Spain and possibly leaving for good, Myrto knows something's not right, but that's nothing compared to the shift in the atmosphere of everyone around her. The king has declared dictatorship, and while life still continues, it's nothing like before.

Myrto is a very playful girl, who isn't sure what she thinks of school, enjoys spending time outside, gets impatient during 'adult' events, and looks forward to the annual return of her favorite cousin. Her relationship with her sister, relatives, neighbors, and those around her comes across naturally. She's easy to relate to, and the author does a wonderful job at keeping the entire read as if it truly is through her eyes, the eyes of a middle grader. While she does have an active imagination and loves to have fun, like every other kid that age, she also picks up on the adults' worries, concerns, and mumblings...but then, what kid doesn't? While she doesn't understand everything that is going on, she does see and feel the changes, which gives this read its true impact. It's innocent, holds humor and playfulness, and weaves in imagination to create a potent mix.

The messages and historical aspects head in a serious direction, and there are moments which hit with emotion and tug at the heart. There is more than a little food for thought, and plenty of aspects can be used for discussions and offer material for classroom settings. Not only does the book dive into the historical, political and cultural aspects, but even the literary side offers many gems. Especially the symbolism surrounding the wildcat is a treat.

Most importantly, this is a fun read. The humor and imagination keep a light playfulness humming along while the harsher side pokes in the background. I'm going to be tossing this read into my homeschooling line-up for next year because it's one that shouldn't be missed. I received a DRC and enjoyed this one quite a bit. show less

Originally written in 1963, this novel has received multiple honors and been published in dozens of international editions. It’s a classic for good reason with its fascinating, well-written, thought-provoking, and richly authentic story.

Melia, age 8, and her sister Myrto, age 10, call a Greek island home. It’s 1936, and they are pleased as punch to be heading to the small village at the seaside where they spend every summer cavorting with their friends. One of the best bits is when their college-age cousin, Nikos, comes and spins fabulous tales about the taxidermied wildcat that resides in the glass case at home.

This summer, however, turns out to be a strange one. Alongside the carefree, idyllic days by the sea, the unsupervised show more make-believe, banter, bickering, and adventuring of this ragtag crew of kids, there is an air of mysterious, foreboding gloom among the adults. The children often overhear worrisome, sharp exchanges, remarks about kings and dictators, democracy and fascism, Hitler and Spain, which they don’t understand but which seem full of dark significance. As tensions, secrets, and emotions continue to rise, Melia, Myrto, and the wildcat find themselves immersed in a serious, dangerous adventure.

I’ve encountered numerous middle-grade novels about WWII-era resistance movements among the Danes, Norwegians, French, Dutch…but never the Greeks. Alki Zei, who was herself involved in the Greek resistance, conveys brilliantly the tumult of anger and grief, fear of reprisal, brave resistance, and stomach-turning acquiescence, as the country falls from democracy into fascism. She juxtaposes this with the sunny innocence of childhood, the fierce love within family and community, and enlivens the entire story with rich sensory details of Greek life in this era – delicious stuffed tomatoes and cheese fritters, wine cellars and rocky caves, turquoise waters and old fishing boats. And she gives us a narrator in Melia whose voice is credible and captivating.

It’s a timeless story in content and in the telling. This translation flows beautifully, and an introductory note by the translator is of great help to modern readers. Highly recommended as a read-aloud with ages 8 and up, or an independent read for ages 10 and older. show less

Excellent! Such an impressive balance of lightness and heaviness that illustrates an experience of growing up in turbulent political times. Loved how the 8-year-old narrator sometimes saw her adventures as fun games and sometimes as upsetting challenges, as a child would.

I was happy to have been selected to review this, and thrilled by how much I enjoyed it. This book tells the story of Melia, and 8-year-old in 1930s Italy. Yes, that's during the rise of Fascism. I enjoyed the family story of Melia, her sister, and her cousin during summer break. But the novel really shone as it showed the reader how the rising Fascist regime was perceived by a typical family, especially the children. I've read a good bit about that ideology, but this was my first glimpse into a child's reaction to it. Definitely a unique, interesting, and moving book. Highly recommended for readers of all ages (middle-grand and up).

Set in the 1930s in Greece during times of political turmoil, The Wildcat Behind Glass is narrated by an 8-year-old girl. I thought the book was very well written from this perspective and I think it is an excellent choice for young readers.

Won this as an early review copy for library thing. Set in 1930s Greece and told from the point of view an 8 year old girl. This is the time that Greece and the world is seeing lots of political turmoil. During the course of the book Greece comes under dictatorship rule. Part of her family is for it while others are happy with the status quo. Interesting point of view of a young child in regards to what is going on in the world. The deposition of the king, an older cousin who goes off to fight for democracy in Spain, father who's afraid of losing his job at the bank.