The Arrival Review. Shaun Tan's Epic Story of Immigration
The Arrival Review
It begins with the title and the front page. Surely one of the most incongruent
title pages in the history of children's books.
It features the realistic image of a man dressed in a
crumpled suit, suitcase in hand - like something out of a 1930's depression era
photo - gazing at a surreal tadpole/dog like animal.
Next, the opening chapter; a range of exquisitely drawn illustrations that lure you
into the story of a man who leaves behind his young family, to go on a long journey across the ocean
to create a new life for them in a distant land.
And what strikes you most, in that first chapter, is that
the Arrival features no text. The story is generated
entirely from the illustrations; it's almost like watching a silent movie. A true graphic novel.
Finally, the book itself. The Arrival has been given the full treatment by the publishers; they really have waved
the publishing wand over this book: large glossy paper, a hard cover, and golden sash as a book mark.
They seemed to have concluded that this was no ordinary book, but perhaps something rare,
and consequently treated it as royalty.
The Arrival is a triumph. The design, the lavish illustrations, and very moving story have all been crafted
with a marked attention to detail.
We seem to be living in a golden age of children's literature. Over the past few years we've been treated to several
children's books which surely compare favourably to the best in modern times:
The Invention of Hugo Cabret
,
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
, and Shaun Tan's, The Arrival.
The Arrival is recommended for upper primary and secondary school students. Many of the sequences and images are quite sophisiticated and may require some scaffolding for students to unlock the deeper meaning of the story.
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