Tyger
Adam Alhambra is a Muslim boy living in a dystopian London at a time of Empire when those who are ‘different’ are vilified and attacked. When chased and threatened by a hostile stranger, Adam finds himself in a ruined building where he is saved by a gigantic animal- the tyger- which comes to his rescue. The tyger is in danger, waiting for the arrival of the Guardians who will help her. With Zadie True, who lives in the same ghetto as him, Adam is determined to help the mysterious majestic beast and finds himself caught in an adventure which will change him forever.
I was thrilled to receive a proof copy of ‘Tyger’ back in June and immediately settled to read it. It was everything I had hoped for - and more- but left me reluctant to commit my thoughts about it to a review so this is more of a ramble really!
The word ‘masterpiece’ is often bandied around, but in this case, I feel it is truly justified. S F Said has created a hostile (and sadly, believable) alternate London with check-points and ghettos, harsh inequality and base cruelty as the backdrop to the story, making the wonder and magic of the tyger even more poignant and vulnerable.
Through the story, S F Said celebrates the power and wonder of stories of all cultures, of oral traditions, the weight of history and the beauty of the imagination. I found myself thinking of creation stories as Tyger shows the possibility for change and self discovery to Adam and Zadie, offering them hope and joy, even in the darkest moments.
This is a world where creativity is stifled. Adam is not able to be spared paper and is constantly told ‘people like him’ should not be drawing, his own family fearing where it might lead him. As they help the Tyger, both Adam and Zadie come to see the potential of the future, allowing their talents- Adam for art and Zadie for writing- to flourish.
I loved ‘Tyger’ and, for me, it is easily S F Said’s best book so far. I am very grateful for the proof copy, but will be buying this in hardback to fully appreciate Dave McKean’s wonderful illustrations. The print I have will be framed and go on my wall. This is a book I will return to again and again and share with everyone!
Tyger S F Said, illustrated by Dave McKean
David Fickling Books ISBN: 978-1788452830
Published 6th October 2022