The Arrival (2006)

I don't know how I missed this when it came out - maybe I dismissed it as just a graphic novel. There is no "just" about it. This is an impressive work of art, delivering its story of the immigrant experience with imagination and beauty. ( )

This is a beautiful book that examines, wordlessly, the experience of an immigrant in a new land. Tan captures the disorientation immigrants may feel toward their new surroundings. It depicts the journey of one man who seems both accepted and rejected by his new country. This book tells the story of a man who leaves his home and family and comes to start a new life for them all in an alien culture. Because The Arrival is a graphic novel that takes as it's setting an imaginary land with a unique language, the reader is able to enter the world as the protagonist does, completely at the mercy of the world he's trying to call home. The fine and suggestive illustrations allow the reader to experience the confusion, isolation, terror and wonder of this journey. This book helped me to appreciate the struggles my own ancestors, and everyone else in America's ancestors, must have faced in their passage of immigration. ( )

In Shaun Tan's graphic novel "The Arrival", he illustrates the process of immigrating to a new country and learning to develop a new culture. When I first read the book, I found myself able to grasp the basic concept, but after reviewing the book with a group, we were able to draw more conclusions together. The book is divided into chapters and in each one, the man character becomes more immersed in his new culture and is creating a better life for his family. Eventually, his family is able to move to their new home where he teaches them their new way of life. The story ends on an inspiring note as the daughter of the main character is now showing new comers the customs of their new home. It is really an inspiring story that shows perseverance, a desire to learn and respect for a new culture are great tools when adapting to a new life. ( )

This book totally surprised me when I found out about it. I had no idea that there were books for adults without words and only pictures. I didn't think I would understand this book and once I read it in class, I loved it. What's so great about it is that you can interpret it in your own way and not be wrong. The story gets weird but it is still a relatable text. I would definitely recommend this book. ( )

I feel like I could spend hours with this book. In this graphic novel, Shaun Tan solely uses illustrations to convey an immigrant's experience. Through the use of unfamiliar symbols, creatures, and structures, the reader is able to understand and empathize with the protagonist as he navigates this strange new land. I enjoyed reading this with a partner as it really forced me to slow down and analyze and consider each illustration from start to finish. ( )