Tales From Outer Suburbia
Tales from Outer Suburbia
By Shaun Tan
Arthur A Levine Books, 2009
96 Pages
I honestly do not know where to begin in reviewing this odd, gorgeous, mystifying, little book. It is quite unlike anything I have ever read before. I’ve read lots of graphically based books (I wouldn’t call this a graphic novel), but not that many short stories. And I’m not sure that I have ever read a graphic book that so perfectly married words with art. No, no, I don’t think I have.
The Water Buffalo
In these 15 “tales” Tan takes us on a magical ride through the lives of deep sea divers, tiny little leaf men, water buffalo and dugongs. There are giant mechanical penguins and a ingenious little…hmm…I’m not sure what he is, but he’s cute (Eric), and getaway cars carrying turtles. Every story has its own style of art and its own very large heart. Some stories seem sad, some happy, hopeful or poignant. Yet what struck me the most about them is how each one encourages you to look beyond your existence and find something more.
From my favorite story
Don’t be quick to give up on the road of life with your beloved, all your struggles may just lead to something even greater than you imagined. Follow the insistent pointing finger of the wise water buffalo. If you want to find out what is beyond the edge of the map, walk out and find what is waiting there. Write the poetry of your heart, no matter what you think of it now, it has a purpose and it’s lovely and it does not die but becomes part of something much larger than yourself. And on and on. All these stories come together to create a lasting work of art that is sure to stay in your mind for a long time to come. I know they have with me.
Eric from my other favorite story
I really feel I haven’t given this lovely little book justice but I hope you will take me at my word and give it a read. I think everyone can take something magical from the experience. And all the pictures I’ve share can be clicked to see larger. Please click.
Also reviewed by:
Stainless Steel Droppings | Bending Bookshelf | Peeking Between the Pages | She Reads Books | A Striped Armchair | Stuff As Dreams Are Made On |
If you have also reviewed this book and would like for me to link to it here, please let me know in the comments. Thanks!
Wow…this does sound kind of interesting. I might have to check it out. Thanks!
I know how you feel – sometimes it's hard to do justice to a book that you want to gush over. This one sounds great!
This was such a great review of such a great book
Have you read anything else of Tan's? He's mostly just done picture books, but they're all so amazing! His art is incredible and he writes such fantastic stories with so few words.
It sounds wonderful. I will definitely check it out.
I hope you will. It's an excellent book and I actually didn't expect to love it as much as I did, if that helps
Thanks Kathy. I hope I did do justice, I certainly tried to!
Thanks Chris! I have not read anything more by him, but I definitely intend to. I plan on buying up all his stuff soon as I really want to read more by him. The Arrival is next on my list. It sounds fascinating.
I hope you do Kate! Please let me know how you like it if you do.
We have the same two favourite stories.
I've only read Tan via library books, and I get so sad when I have to return them. Definitely ones I want in my collection eventually. 
Cool! I really need to find this one because I think I would freakin' adore it. lol I'm hoping I can find it with my Half-Price gift card in hand. I'm probably not that lucky, but we'll see!
It was hard to pick, but I just adored (ADORED!) the poetry one and Eric was just so darn enchanting! I am dreading taking this back to the library, so I definitely need to buy myself a copy!
Andi, I know without a doubt you would LOVE this book. L.O.V.E. I hope you do find it!
I read a picture book by him a few years ago, but nothing since. I must remedy that!
I just read this too a few days ago (and finished writing the review a second ago). What an amazing book it is!
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I loved The Arrival, and I had wanted to read this one, but forgot about it. Thanks so much for the reminder!
This book is strange & lovely.