The Arrival

by Shaun Tan
The Arrival cover
Good Books rating 4.62
Graphic Novels / Comics
Technical:
  • ID: 819
  • Added: 2025-09-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-08
  • ISBN: 9780439895309
  • Published: 2007-01-01
  • Formats: 24
  • Reviews: 4
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £14.99

The Arrival is a unique and powerful graphic novel that uses mesmerizing images to convey the struggles and joys of the immigrant experience. Without a single word, it tells the story of a man who leaves his homeland and family to build a better life in a new country. The novel's striking illustrations bring to life the challenges and triumphs of immigration, making it a deeply moving and universally relatable story. /n/nThe book's wordless format allows it to transcend language barriers, making it accessible to a wide audience. It's a testament to the power of visual storytelling, capturing the essence of the immigrant journey with clarity and emotion. The Arrival is not just a story about one man's experience, but a reflection of the shared human experience of migration and the pursuit of a better life.

Reviews
Before We Go Blog · 2025-05-26
Inspiring 4.75

The book powerfully conveys themes of courage and displacement through its wordless narrative. The illustrations are praised for their ability to evoke emotions and tell a compelling story.

The reviewer notes that 'The Arrival' speaks volumes about courage, displacement, and the beauty of finding one's place in a new world, all without using a single word. They highlight the book's ability to evoke deep emotions and tell a compelling story through its illustrations alone. The reviewer appreciates the quiet strength of the narrative and the universal themes it explores.

Quick quotes

    Without a single word, The Arrival speaks volumes about courage, displacement, and the quiet beauty of finding your place in a new world.

    The illustrations are breathtaking and convey the story's themes with remarkable clarity.

    The book's wordless narrative is a testament to the power of visual storytelling.

Before We Go Blog · 2025-05-26
Inspiring 4.75

The book is a powerful exploration of courage, displacement, and the quiet beauty of finding one's place in a new world. The wordless format is praised for its ability to convey deep emotions and universal themes.

The reviewer emphasizes the book's ability to speak volumes about the immigrant experience through its stunning illustrations and lack of text. They highlight the themes of courage and displacement, noting how the book captures the quiet beauty of finding a new home. The reviewer appreciates the universal messages that resonate with anyone who has experienced the challenges of starting over in a new place. The wordless format is seen as a strength, allowing the illustrations to convey complex emotions and ideas effectively.

Quick quotes

    Without a single word, The Arrival speaks volumes about courage, displacement, and the quiet beauty of finding your place in a new world.

    The stunning illustrations and lack of text make the book a powerful exploration of universal themes.

    The wordless format allows the illustrations to convey complex emotions and ideas effectively.

Jeroen's Thoughts · 2022-12-19
Moving 4.50

The emotional depth of the story about immigration and loneliness is profound. The illustrations effectively convey the complexity of the immigrant experience without words.

The reviewer highlights the emotional weight of the story, particularly the themes of saying goodbye to family and the loneliness of starting anew in a foreign land. They praise the illustrations for their ability to tell a powerful story without relying on words, making it a deeply moving and impactful read. The reviewer appreciates how the book captures the universal experience of displacement and the quiet beauty of finding one's place in a new world.

Quick quotes

    The subject matter is highly emotional, and deals with saying goodbye to your family, and the loneliness of starting life in a strange new country.

    The illustrations effectively convey the complexity of the immigrant experience without words.

    The emotional depth of the story is profound.

Bookspoils · 2016-07-30
Compelling 4.50

The book is described as beautifully harrowing, haunting, and compelling through its use of captivating images. The reviewer is in awe of the story's ability to convey deep emotions without words.

The reviewer is deeply moved by the book's ability to tell a powerful story through illustrations alone. They describe the book as beautifully harrowing and haunting, with images that capture the essence of the immigrant experience. The reviewer appreciates the compelling nature of the story, which is able to convey deep emotions and universal themes without the use of text. The book is seen as a unique and impactful piece of art that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Quick quotes

    This book is a wordless story told through capturing images. It is beautiful.

    Beautifully harrowing, haunting, and compelling.

    The images are not difficult to decipher – they make you stop and wonder about how the story unfolds.

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