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katykelly's review against another edition
4.0
For a non-football fan, this did manage to keep my attention. I see reviews exclaiming that this book has helped non-readers to 'click' with books, and I can see why it would connect with boys of a certain age and inclination.
It's a quite magical story about football, about training hard, about an ethereal coach, sporting success, football games and moments broken down and dissected, characters in love with the game. Amazing that I did finish it really, but it is very well written and I was intrigued.
The goalkeeper of the latest World Cup winning team is being interviewed by a famous sports journalist about his success and history. But the interview takes turns he didn't expect... The whole book is the interview between El Gato (the Cat) and Paul Faustino, flitting from El Gato's story back to their discussions. This works well, and reminds us of why he is telling this story, and also that it MIGHT be just a story.
The nature of the Keeper (a mysterious character who teaches El Gato the skills he will later need to become a world class player) is never revealed, but I actually found myself with a lump in my throat at the story's conclusion, and I"m not one for magical realism/supernatural tales.
I've never tried Mal Peet before, this was me dipping my toe in the water so to speak, and I would definitely explore the author's work further. I read this as an audiobook and the version I listened to was very well narrated, clear and kept my attention throughout.
It's definitely one for boys (especially but not exclusively) of around 8 to 12. Dads wanting to read to older children at bedtime might use this as a great excuse!
It's a quite magical story about football, about training hard, about an ethereal coach, sporting success, football games and moments broken down and dissected, characters in love with the game. Amazing that I did finish it really, but it is very well written and I was intrigued.
The goalkeeper of the latest World Cup winning team is being interviewed by a famous sports journalist about his success and history. But the interview takes turns he didn't expect... The whole book is the interview between El Gato (the Cat) and Paul Faustino, flitting from El Gato's story back to their discussions. This works well, and reminds us of why he is telling this story, and also that it MIGHT be just a story.
The nature of the Keeper (a mysterious character who teaches El Gato the skills he will later need to become a world class player) is never revealed, but I actually found myself with a lump in my throat at the story's conclusion, and I"m not one for magical realism/supernatural tales.
I've never tried Mal Peet before, this was me dipping my toe in the water so to speak, and I would definitely explore the author's work further. I read this as an audiobook and the version I listened to was very well narrated, clear and kept my attention throughout.
It's definitely one for boys (especially but not exclusively) of around 8 to 12. Dads wanting to read to older children at bedtime might use this as a great excuse!
clevergirl216's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
wanderingmole's review against another edition
3.0
A bit young, but entertaining and with valid messages about fame and respecting the environment.
snarkywench's review against another edition
4.0
I am not, and will not ever be, a soccer buff - but this book gave me an appreciation for the game that I definitely did not possess beforehand. Peet has written a novel that weaves mysticism and football into one package that takes surprising turns.
Alternating between current day and El Gato's childhood, the reader is taken on a journey from his knobbly kneed, talentless beginnings to his World Cup winning present. It's a vivid journey, one where every event is written in action packed detail that allows you to be in the moment. The characters are expertly depicted. El Gato is a character that evolves beautifully, like a caterpillar into a butterfly, under the tutelage of the mysterious Keeper. In the end soccer/football is a metaphor for life; embrace your vulnerability and fear, work your butt off and stay open to opportunities and good things will come.
If there was anything to quibble, it would be the scenes in present day. Some of the dialogue felt a little flat for me, almost like it was an untruth. At time it was easy to resent Faustino and his interference into the unravelling past of El Gato. Perhaps this was the goal of Peet, for the journalist to add a splash of reality to the magical tale of the boy and the shadow? As the readers we want to return to the jungle, to the Keeper, to El Gato's journey as soon as possible. It's a fantastic way to build tension within the story and within the reader.
It's a lovely read. Full of joy for soccer, the technicalities of the game and of life, the need for belief in yourself and the impossible and the joy in success. It's quite a surprising read that runs the gamut of emotions and turns - highly recommended.
Alternating between current day and El Gato's childhood, the reader is taken on a journey from his knobbly kneed, talentless beginnings to his World Cup winning present. It's a vivid journey, one where every event is written in action packed detail that allows you to be in the moment. The characters are expertly depicted. El Gato is a character that evolves beautifully, like a caterpillar into a butterfly, under the tutelage of the mysterious Keeper. In the end soccer/football is a metaphor for life; embrace your vulnerability and fear, work your butt off and stay open to opportunities and good things will come.
If there was anything to quibble, it would be the scenes in present day. Some of the dialogue felt a little flat for me, almost like it was an untruth. At time it was easy to resent Faustino and his interference into the unravelling past of El Gato. Perhaps this was the goal of Peet, for the journalist to add a splash of reality to the magical tale of the boy and the shadow? As the readers we want to return to the jungle, to the Keeper, to El Gato's journey as soon as possible. It's a fantastic way to build tension within the story and within the reader.
It's a lovely read. Full of joy for soccer, the technicalities of the game and of life, the need for belief in yourself and the impossible and the joy in success. It's quite a surprising read that runs the gamut of emotions and turns - highly recommended.
mbartolameolli's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
stephanie_garrott's review against another edition
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
gaecrisis69's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
Siis ihan mahtava kirja ainakin vikojen 60 sivun aikana. Lopetus oli aika yllättävä ja sai jostain syystä itkemäänkin.
elsaaqazi's review against another edition
5.0
For me every book is an experience. This one was exhilarating, breath-taking, far-fetched, beautiful. I used to HATE football. HATE IT!! Get the feeling? I thought it was just a game where you run after a ball trying to put it in the net. Unlike Cricket the score would not rise every few seconds. And so it bored me to death.
I read this book before the 2014 World Cup. And believe me this book changed my life forever. Now I am a die-hard fan of football (FC Barcelona to be exact). I realized that football was not only a game of running after a ball; it was predominantly about emotions. It was not only about kicking a ball into the net; it was about feeling in control of your life (I have actually tried this a gazillion times. When you are feeling down, get a football and chose a wall in your room and start hitting that wall hard with that football. Then do some dribbles and everything will be alright).
Coming back to the book it was a beautiful mix of fantasy and contemporary worlds. This idea that a ghost teaches football to a really bad football player was unique and new. This book had places where chills ran down my spine.
My friend recommended this to me and I looked at her in scorn when she told me this was about football. Now I recommend it to everyone, football fans or otherwise.
I read this book before the 2014 World Cup. And believe me this book changed my life forever. Now I am a die-hard fan of football (FC Barcelona to be exact). I realized that football was not only a game of running after a ball; it was predominantly about emotions. It was not only about kicking a ball into the net; it was about feeling in control of your life (I have actually tried this a gazillion times. When you are feeling down, get a football and chose a wall in your room and start hitting that wall hard with that football. Then do some dribbles and everything will be alright).
Coming back to the book it was a beautiful mix of fantasy and contemporary worlds. This idea that a ghost teaches football to a really bad football player was unique and new. This book had places where chills ran down my spine.
My friend recommended this to me and I looked at her in scorn when she told me this was about football. Now I recommend it to everyone, football fans or otherwise.
miketheboy89's review against another edition
4.0
Just a brilliant piece of supernatural, environmental, football fiction.