Reviews

Cuentos de la periferia by Shaun Tan

mdevlin923's review against another edition

3.0

Short fantastical stories with deeper meanings than you would initially think.

trin's review against another edition

4.0

With his gorgeously detailed, surrealist art, Shaun Tan has the ability to make the ordinary strange, and the everyday beautiful. In the series of graphic vignettes that makes up Tales From Outer Suburbia, Tan offers a peek into a place that's like a Bizarro-world version of our own, a place where a tiny leaf-like alien might come to live with one's family as a foreign exchange student, a water buffalo living in a vacant lot may be the best source of advice, and men in old-fashioned diving suits or silent stick-figure creatures wander the streets. For mature-thinking kids, as well as adults young and not-so-, this unique book opens up a whole universe to get lost in—as well as new ways of looking at our own.

audreyglj's review against another edition

challenging funny inspiring mysterious reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

mehsi's review against another edition

2.0

A strange and bizarre collection of stories about a suburbia.

This is apparently marketed towards children, however I wouldn't recommend it for that age group. I think this would be better for teens/young adults.

The stories were more miss than hit. Some were really good and I enjoyed them, others were just too strange/weird/uncomfortable and I didn't enjoy them.

I liked the illustrations, they made the book weirder, but also made the stories at times more enjoyable and also made some of the stories seem more understandable.

I really liked the scrapbook parts that were between stories.

I wouldn't really recommend this book, unless you want a bizarre book that is a mix of stories and pictures.

Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/

aclopez6's review against another edition

5.0

That was incredibly odd and supremely enjoyable -- my favorites were "Grandpa's Story" and "Sticks". Such a unique illustration style.

wintrovia's review against another edition

5.0

An odd but strangely moving collection of short stories. They all have an otherworldly feel which is superbly accompanied by the art work. I wish it was a bit longer as I wanted to spend more time in the world these stories occupy.

janinevduijn's review against another edition

5.0

Outstanding illustrated story book that shows the eccentricities of modern suburban life, highly enjoyable.

coleycole's review against another edition

5.0

I loved this. Rarely do I read something that makes me stop and reflect (or maybe I'm just shallow...), but I found myself stopping at the end of every story to gnaw on it. And my bus is not always conducive to deep thought:)

theseventhl's review against another edition

5.0

A wonderful set of illustrated stories about the humorous and poignant moments of living in what Aussie author Shaun Tan calls outer suburbia. Straddling the line between magical realism and fantasy flat out, Tan's inventive artwork and colorful storytelling is a treat to read. It's like a picture book for young adults. I can't wait to read more of Tan's works.

lsparrow's review against another edition

4.0

I really enjoy this writer/artist's work and this is no exception - I love the illustrations and the stories. so mythical