The Red Tree Summary and Reviews
|
Our Price: $124.98 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $14.39 (click here) Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of The Red Tree
Book Review: >[ My Review On Th Red Tree - Shaun Tan ]<
Summary: 4 Stars
The Red Tree, written and illustrated by Shaun Tan, is a complex, fictional picture book. Each reader's interpretation is different although the theme is based around an emotional journey of a young girl, which depicts general subjects of mental depression and hope.
Throughout the book, readers follow this red-haired girl as she wanders through fantasy and surreal scenes. The short yet poetic phrases symbolize isolation, thoughts of a depressed mind and the search for true identity of one's self. However, it comes down to the reader's own understanding and impression of the images and concise storyline.
The book was purposely written for children's literature and even though the sensitive issue, which combines depression, hope and encouragement, is often ignored for people of such a young age, it is the reality of today.
The combination of images and words in The Red Tree is far too complicated for the young. As it is a difficult book to understand at first and takes quite some analyzing, I do not believe it is suitable for children, seeing as though it is not based around simplicity and the thoughts of an undeveloped mind.
So therefore, personally it is suitable for the standard of a person above the age of twelve, as even though it is still a young age, they have more experience in life than those who have less knowledge. But to be honest, the author Shaun Tan brings the readers back to Earth and proves that young children suffer just as much as any one else, whether it is in the home, at school or generally out in the world. The Red Tree is intriguing as it demonstrates that behind every depressing situation, lays a little hope and a little encouragement.
The concept, which The Red Tree concentrates on, can also be found similarly in another book. The Dave Pelzer trilogy, "My Story" tells the true story of Dave's life growing up in an abusive home with all hope lost. It isn't until someone else encourages help that he begins to leave his tormented childhood behind him.
Overall, The Red Tree is a brief and poetic book that journeys along the complex life of a little red-haired girl. The book is recommended to any age group other than for children's literature. Shaun Tan's Red Tree depicts a real life issue and demonstrates that hope and encouragement is always there just not always seen.
Book Review: A Very Memorable Book: The Red Tree
Summary: 3 Stars
The Red Tree is a children's picture book written by Shaun Tan. It is Shaun Tan's 5th picture book. The Red Tree won an Honour Award. The theme of the book is depression and that there is a bright side to every situation. It is a fictional book that tells the story of a girl who feels alone.
The Red Tree shows a day in the life of a young girl who is feeling alone and has nothing to look forward to. The Red Tree is very interesting, memorable and entertaining as it is short and straight to the point. Trying to find the red leaf on every page adds a little novelty to the book. The Red Tree is very thought-provoking as it has hidden meanings and relies on the reader to work it out. The book explores the problem of depression but neglects to explain the causes and not-so-successful-cases of depression. The book made me realise how people feel when they have depression even though the author only showed the point of view of a child.
Overall the book is written very well as it is short and straight to the point. The character was believable and I enjoyed the book. The Red Tree taught me that every situation has a silver lining. The book is suitable for children 12 years and older if they are going to understand the book properly.
Book Review: A beautiful book on hope
Summary: 5 Stars
This book may seem "depressing" at first, but then you have to read it again. The red tree, or hope, at first seems to be a destination at the end...and that if you can get through all the crap in life, you'll reach a state of happiness. But then, you might notice that there is a red leaf on every page of the book...to show that the red tree did not grow in the course of the day and that it existed only at the end, but that it was there all along if one had the eye to see it. If the red tree is like hope and vocation, then the book seems to be saying that we shouldn't displace them to the future, but look for them in the present and in the finite. This is a much deeper book than one might think at first glance.Book Review: A moving, memorable masterpiece
Summary: 5 Stars
The children's picture book, 'The Red Tree', by the multi-award winning illustrator, Shaun Tan is a cleverly created fiction book. Published by Lothian books in 2001, 'The Red Tree' won the CBCA picture book of the year in 2002. Tan has also won a collection of additional awards for several of his other books including: 'The Rabbits', 'Memorial' and 'The Lost Thing'.
Throughout 'The Red Tree', the theme of hope is raised on a number of occasions. The main character in the story often finds herself in this locked up, imaginary world and in a dull, empty and depressing state. Confusing and negative thoughts slowly overcomes her and any hope in her life feels so distant and unreachable.
It is through the oil based and washed out colour that the artistic work is able to come to life and the reader becomes more involved in the whole story. Tan also uses collages in order to make the story more intriguing. This work draws the reader into a deeper understanding of the book and its meaning.
Also the dark, faded and gloomy colours used by Tan in his illustrations, build a terrifying and moving feeling within the readers.
Personally, I believe that through the artistic and detailed drawings by Tan it has provided an interesting and moving story. The relation between the text, image and colours used on each page engaged me more into the book.
The issue of hope and depression that arose in the story made me more aware of how individuals experiencing depression or a lack of hope in their life may feel and how hard and lonely it could be.
Overall, the picture book 'The Red Tree' raises a number of issues in particular hope in one's life. The theme of hope is cleverly incorporated in the story without the reader even realising it at first. This in turn makes the reader even more drawn into the story. Through fantastic, descriptive drawings and text Tan has created a masterpiece which is a must read for all.
Book Review: A piece of magic and inspiration for us all
Summary: 5 Stars
Shaun Tan has done it again with his beautiful detailed pictures, which convey more meaning that words ever can. This is a beautiful book that reaches out and grabs your heart and provides a glimmer of hope for anyone who has ever experienced feelings of hopelessess (and haven't we all?)