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joshgauthier's review against another edition
4.0
A visually catching, slightly odd little book that manages a quiet resonance in its delivery.
afro8921's review against another edition
3.0
gorgeously illustrated and complex. Also just a bit weird.
krennthief's review against another edition
dark
emotional
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? No
4.0
Good book. Sad book. Cicada is good.
0vertherain8ow's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
4.75
-Amazing art that illustrates the gloom and dark tone of this beautiful book.
-written almost as seperate pieces;almost as individual poems; yet so connected and almost meditative.
- definitely hits the emotions, felt the wieght of sadness.
- A story that I am still processing. And thinking about.
- the messages of discrimination, othering and workplace culture was unsettling.
Amazing.
Almost cried.
angstyp's review against another edition
5.0
Beautiful art, adorable/sad story, bugs. I love it.
Definitely could be rated older children, middle grade, and teen due to the dark undertone of the story.
Definitely could be rated older children, middle grade, and teen due to the dark undertone of the story.
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