A review by oofsharkz73
PET by Akwaeke Emezi

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

"The image of the monster in Jam's head became even darker, the corners of its malice shadowed and sharp. Were there levels of monsters? Were some worse than others? Was that even the kind of thing you could measure?

Do not measure, Pet said in her head. A monster is a monster. A hunt is a hunt. It is simple that way."


Pet by Akwaeke Emezi is an exciting, suspenseful adventure that draws readers into a world where angels and monsters are not just legends but a young girl's reality. It begins when our heroine, an inquisitive young Jam, starts to learn about the angels and monsters, her curiosity getting the better of her even though her town supposedly has no monsters. 

"Yes, child. Angels aren't pretty pictures in old holy books, just like monsters aren't ugly pictures. It's all just people, doing hard things or doing bad things. But is all just people, our people."

"t's not the same when the monsters are gone. You're only remembering shadows of them, stories that seem to be limited to the pages or screens you read them from. Flat and dull things. So, yes, people forget. But forgetting is dangerous. Forgetting is how the monsters come back."

Vexed by a painting her mother drew, Jam accidentally brings "Pet" - an enchanting creature who is there to help - to life with her snooping. From there, we see an adventure or a "hunt" to discover how the boundaries of "good" and "evil" are being blurred in the town of Lucille. Emezi's Pet is an amazingly creative a way to teach young viewers certain lessons and morals. From the novel, a younger reader can learn about "see something, say something," as well as being keen and observant and honest to adults about anything that makes you feel bad. Pet is a spellbinding story that explores bravery in the face of the unknown, complete with unexpected twists and unforgettable characters..