The Lost Thing

Rating:
Summary: The Lost Thing by Shaun Tan
Review: In today's world, we are bombarded everyday with advertisement and hyperbole to get us to buy products and services. As a result of all this exaggeration, it is extremely difficult to find something that actually lives up to all it's credits.

However, "The Lost Thing" was one of these uncommon books.It is advertised as a kid's book, and yet, I think that it would be much more enjoyable for an older audience.

We have already seen, from Shaun T's "The Red Tree" that the author has incredible artistic talent, especially in painting. In this book, he uses this talent to an amazing degree to create a story and a world unique to the story.

The urban setting of Suburbia is filled with details -which are essential for a good story, novel or picture-book. From the everyday people to the shop windows, Suburbia is a richly imagined world where people seem to have reached their peak - identical, sophisticated in technology but simple in emotion. They have created an ordered, mechanical world, but one day a boy finds a thing on the beach, unlike anything else in the world. He strives to find it a place to live, and in doing so travels through the nooks and crannies of Suburbia until he finds a place for the thing.

One of the reasons why I was at first apprehensive about buying this book was because, quite simply, it was a picture book. I could finish it in no time at all - was it really worth my money? Well, as a matter of fact, I reread it about twice a week for the next half-year. I've probably got just as much time and enjoyment peering at all the details than from any novel. Whenever feeling depressed, tired or upset, I could always pull my head under this blanket of a book and disappear for a few minutes, emerging later with a warm feeling in my heart.

And I've noticed that all the reviews for this book so far, including mine - are Australian! I would take any opportunity I could to reveal this book to a wider, more global community - because in terms of artwork, plot and imagination, it is very difficult to compare. It is about time Shaun Tan got real recognition from the world. He has prodigious talent.







Rating:
Summary: for ALL ages
Review: The story is simple, but the meaning and drawings are very complex. Shaun Tan creates a wonderous world, based in our own reality but with a twist of the surreal. The storyteller finds The Lost Thing, and goes on a journey to find a home for it, all the while reminding the reader of the value of taking notice of the world around, showing compassion, passion and injecting a little adventure and mystery into daily life. Each page is filled with hidden messages, Tan's drawings are intricate, and mesmerising. As a graphic designer, I love this book it's a visual treat. But everyone, young and old I've ever shown it to, I've had to prize it from their fingers after half an hour, while they rant about how much they love it.

Rating:
Summary: A view to the future?
Review: We can certainly hope not. After reading it was interesting to go back through and have a look at some of the artwork - if it can be called that - around the boarders of the pages. Because I'm currently studying Physics and Mathematical Methods for my V.C.E., a lot of it made sense.

But back to the actual story. Shaun Tan has put together an interesting look at life where government agencies seem to control each and every aspect of the citizen's life. We know of A Federal Department of... management, economics, tubes & pipes, odds & ends, censorship and information. The society is filled with all kinds of interesting buildings, where evry home has a 15-foot chimny, every intersection of pedestrian paths has traffic lights and where a concrete wall borders the beach.

And the cause is to fine a home for a lost thing (thus the title). I'd recommend this book to anyone who really wants to break free from the norm.

Just so you all know, I read this book, because for a Drama Examination I must base my characters around this book. I've certainly got an interesting task ahead of me.

Rating:
Summary: Great imagination and creativity
Review: Wow, you know when you pick up a book and its simple but it makes you think. Shaun has once again done a fabulous job with the illustrations which always captivate its readers. No major meaning to the book just an enjoyable read.