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mat_tobin's review against another edition
5.0
A picturebook that nudges close to being wordless with only 150 words throughout and many of them repeated, Cicada tells the story of a little bug who spends 17 years working thanklessly and largely ignored in a high-rise office. The world he inhabits flits between shades of grey and his green skill and dark bulbous eyes provide the only contrast in the dull world he inhabits.
As with all Tan's books, meaning may not come to the reader immediately but this is purposeful. Tan states that he often knows that he is writing about a universal truth with regard to humanity's impact on each other or the world. How clear that truth is remains up to the reader. He also speaks of a need for his work to be honest and hopes that each book he writes helps make the real world a little more understandable.
Perhaps then, there are three elements of Tan's life and philosophy which help cast a little light on this wonderful but (potentially) sad story. Firstly, that Tan's father was a Chinese immigrant to Australia and that communicating with his father, fluently has always been a challenge. Tan also speaks of an elderly Greek neighbour and her broken English too. Touching upon the idea of communication and the problems it can bring as well as the falsehood we attach to people who speak broken English and intelligence is one to consider - especially in light of the rather touching and beautiful ending.
Secondly, alongside Cicada, Tan has published [b:Tales from the Inner City|37825535|Tales from the Inner City|Shaun Tan|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1518102455s/37825535.jpg|59503762] which explores our treatment of and relationship with animals. I can't help thinking that Cicada would have slipped into this book well but that perhaps Tan felt he wanted more space in which to share this particular story. And finally, Tan reflects on us as a people and what it is the we value above other things - in Cicada it appears to hint towards unformity, goals and, perhaps, the idea of living to work rather than working to live. It's all ambiguous - you make up your own mind.
As with all Tan's books, meaning may not come to the reader immediately but this is purposeful. Tan states that he often knows that he is writing about a universal truth with regard to humanity's impact on each other or the world. How clear that truth is remains up to the reader. He also speaks of a need for his work to be honest and hopes that each book he writes helps make the real world a little more understandable.
Perhaps then, there are three elements of Tan's life and philosophy which help cast a little light on this wonderful but (potentially) sad story. Firstly, that Tan's father was a Chinese immigrant to Australia and that communicating with his father, fluently has always been a challenge. Tan also speaks of an elderly Greek neighbour and her broken English too. Touching upon the idea of communication and the problems it can bring as well as the falsehood we attach to people who speak broken English and intelligence is one to consider - especially in light of the rather touching and beautiful ending.
Secondly, alongside Cicada, Tan has published [b:Tales from the Inner City|37825535|Tales from the Inner City|Shaun Tan|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1518102455s/37825535.jpg|59503762] which explores our treatment of and relationship with animals. I can't help thinking that Cicada would have slipped into this book well but that perhaps Tan felt he wanted more space in which to share this particular story. And finally, Tan reflects on us as a people and what it is the we value above other things - in Cicada it appears to hint towards unformity, goals and, perhaps, the idea of living to work rather than working to live. It's all ambiguous - you make up your own mind.
ang_easterling's review against another edition
4.0
It's an interesting premise and a book I found at my local public library. It definitely stood out to me.
noshyira's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
woodland_girl's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
mjfmjfmjf's review against another edition
4.0
Another typically weird book by this author/artist. Kind of a political statement. Kind of an example of racism. Not really a picture book. Maybe a picture book for adults. Cool. Interesting. Feels almost meditative like it should have been a koan.
crystal_e_fall's review against another edition
3.5
Wonderful illustrations and storytelling, but I am a bit confused what the end message is supposed to be? And if it's the darker of the two I'm thinking of, what target audience is it supposed to be aimed at?