The Arrival (2006)

My VOYA ratings: 3Q, 2P

I can imagine this book being popular with avid readers of graphic novels, but it is not likely to be popular with readers who are not already fans of the genre, mostly due to its having no words.

Q5 P4
With surreal flair, amazing illustrations (reminiscent at times of expressionist film) and use of not a single word, Shaun Tan’s The Arrival describes immigration, the journey to a new and confusing place, ahead of ones family, alone. I can’t believe how wonderfully the story flows out of the imagery. The nonsensical use of language within in the new and strange city and the facial expressions the character shows depicting the obvious shock and incomprehension of this new home generate an atmosphere that is both fitting and moving. It’s magical and confusing. It’s filled with creatures that are both monstrous and cute. It portrays the excited emotions of new friendships, the alienation of being alone and the dramatic reunification of a family. A book that both adults and youth with enjoy, I sincerely believe this would take little effort to place in the hands of a teen, especially one who is visually inclined.

My "Voya" Rating: 5Q, 4P
This books is beautiful and terrifying at the same time. The Arrival is a graphic novel that is illustrations only. The reader is brought on a journey to a new land along with it's main character. The story is basically one that millions of immigrants have experienced over the years. The desire to go to a new home, to escape an evil land, and to give your family hope for a new life is clearly illustrated. The illustrations make it easy to imagine the frustrations, the need to communicate in a foreign language, customs, and fear that the main character must be going through. It's also heartfelt when strangers help our main character to get along and build a life to prepare for the coming of his family. I checked out this book from the library. It is one that I will be happy to add to my home library. ( )

3Q, 3P (my VOYA codes)
The Arrival is the story of one man's journey to start a new life in another land, in the hopes of one day bringing his family to join him. The most wonderful aspect of this book is that the the land and creatures are completely imaginative and made up, yet they are still relatable to the general experience of entering and becoming part of a new country or land. He learns how to use transportation, gains employment, finds food, and makes friends along the way. It was particularly hard to rate the writing quality of the book since everything is expressed through illustrations, which I enjoyed for the most part. However, there were some scenes and depictions I was not sure I was interrupting correctly, which became frustrating at times.

Wow, brilliant illustrations. I cannot imagine how much time and effort have been put into this book. It is a story about a father leaving his wife and daughter behind to start a new life in a new place. It is sad and does a fine job of representing what I believe an immigrant's life might be like. Great for children and adults. It is fairly lengthy though, better for children that are not bored easily. ( )