A review by farnz
The Arrival by Shaun Tan

adventurous challenging emotional mysterious sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

A man says goodbye to his wife & daughter & boards a steamship to cross the ocean. He's leaving home to build a better future for his family. Touches on aspects of an immigrant's experience. The main character can't communicate in words so the book forgoes them too. Absolutely beautiful illustrations. It’s all in gradients of gray, brown & beige- no colour. You feel the main character's isolation + joy. Really liked the photos of diverse immigrant at the beginning & end of the book. Also, I love a happy ending.