Tan used photographs and paintings from the early twentieth
century of immigration and immigrants as inspiration along with accounts and
stories to inform his book. Tan encompasses family, ideology, freedom,
alienation as well as acceptance and the journey of the human spirit in this
epic tale. The effect is that of a silent film as the work is totally without
narration, text or dialogue. Tan is in a very small fraternity with this work
devoid of language that speaks eloquently with is content of image.
The arrival is by definition a picture book. It is one best
suited for adults and young readers just past the age that regular picture
books begin to lose their charm. It is a work certainly sophisticated that very
young readers still can enjoy; but will need some guidance with the themes;
in-depth precision and spirit that the novel exhibits.
Tan has written and illustrated at least two other books of
his own; The Red Tree and The Lost Thing. His self- developed
animation short of The Lost Thing was impressive enough to win an Oscar
for Tan in 2011. His books have won numerous awards and he has been an educator
as well as a much sought after artist and illustrator by other writers and
publishers. He brings a special part of himself to all of his efforts.
The Arrival is a book to be read through it’s
pictures, as all images are to be read. Every picture does tell a unique story.
I would also suggest playing instrumental music; something with a sound-track
diversity of themes and nuance as an accompanying background. The “extra something”
music brings adds to the pleasure and allure of the book. It makes for a thing uncanny
and creates an even greater cinematic experience. Your understanding of the
journey of this tale’s nameless protagonist as universal immigrant will
ultimately be a personal reflection of insight and joy. Tan’s “Arrival” gives
us something to treasure and revisit from time to time as we journey and arrive ourselves.
