Perhaps the most unique aspect of Shaun Tan’s book The Arrival, other than its obvious use of solely pictures to tell a story, is its ability to put the reader in the perspective of a new immigrant.  Rather than merely relay stories of a journey to a new land, Tan directly immerses you into the mindset of confusion in coping with the norms of a different world.

I noticed several references to New York City from a bizarre, complicated transportation system (symbolizing the subway) to street fairs, passport confirmations and laborious jobs similar to those available at the turn of the century.  I also observed the foreign language, which also aids in putting the uncertainty into perspective and helping the reader sympathize with the main character.

The book reminded me of a story I read long ago in which a variety of seemingly strange rituals were ornately described.  At the end of the story, it is revealed that the rituals illustrated were all typical American habits, like brushing one’s teeth.  I think this relates because both force you examine what you find most familiar and consider the possibility of this being unusual to those who simply have not had the same experiences or cultural upbringing.

I think Tan’s purpose is to highlight that we all have similarities in this sense, which he exemplifies with the pictures of a myriad of beautifully diverse people in the front and back of the book.

-Jacqui Larsen