DRAWING FROM MEMORY
Plot Summary:
DRAWING FROM MEMORY is an autobiography written by the
famous artist and writer Allen Say. In this book Say describes his childhood in
Japan. From his birth in 1937 Say’s family moved from one place to another
changing homes schools, and friends. The only escapes for Say were reading and
drawing. “When I was drawing, I was happy. I didn’t need toys or friends or
parents.”
After his parents separated, Say moved to Tokyo. He lived
with his grandmother, but when he turned twelve he was given a place of his
own. Perhaps it was this freedom and independence that led Say on his path to a
career as an artist? But, his true inspiration came when he met the famous
cartoonist Noro Shinpei, who would later become Say’s sensei (teacher) and, later, his spiritual father.
In 1952 Say received a letter from his birth father. He had
remarried and was inviting Say to immigrate to America with his new family. Say
was hesitant. He longed for new adventures and opportunities, but at the same
time, he dreaded separating from his master and spiritual father, Noro Shinpei.
Finally, Say made the decision to accept his father’s invitation. During his last ten months in Japan, Say
tried to “remember what [he] saw and felt. Soon, all would be [the] memories”
he carried throughout his life weaving them into his outstanding art of writings
and drawings.
Critical Analysis:
Allen Say is one of the most famous American artists today.
He is the recipient of many awards, including being awarded the Caldecott Medal for his book GRANDFATHER’S JOURNEY. Though Say does not present any
documentation to support his autobiographical book DRAWING FROM MEMORY, there
is little doubt of its accuracy. Some of the dialogue used in the book may not
be verbatim, and may be a product of
his imagination, but overall, Say takes his readers on an interesting and
informational journey of a young man finding himself as an artist.
The information in the book is presented in chronological
order: from his birth in Japan to his departure to the “New World”. Seeing the
world through the prism of drawing, Allen Say offers a great variety of visual
rather than verbal access features. The design of the book makes it attractive
and inviting. The text is complimented by a kaleidoscope of the author’s
illustrations and cartoons and photographs from his personal collection.
Interestingly, Say uses various drawing styles and techniques in his
illustrations so that the book offers a wide range of images - from black and
white to full vibrant colors. Soy’s illustrations have a powerful effect serving
to both compliment the textual images and as a glossary defining some of the
phrasing used in the text.
Allen Say is undoubtedly a master of the brush and pen. Say
writes using clear, easy to understand, and interesting language. Telling the
story of his life, Allen Say is not glorifying himself; rather he is inviting
the reader into his work, his books, and his ideas. Readers of DRAWING FROM
MEMORY will deepen their knowledge and appreciation of the cultural aspects of
Japan, learn some techniques of drawing, and enjoy the vivid and lively story
of Allen Say’s life.
2012 Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Honor Book
"Exquisite drawings, paintings, comics and photographs balance each other perfectly as they illustrate Say’s childhood path to becoming an artist." Kirkus Reviews
"This visual memoir is captivating and always unexpected."Chicago Tribune
Connections:
Read more books written and illustrated by Allen Say:
GRANDFATHER'S JOURNEY
- THE SIGN PAINTER
- EL CHINO
- STRANGER IN THE MIRROR
- THE BICYCLE MAN
- TEA WITH MILK
- ALLISON
- UNDER THE CHERRY BLOSSOM TREE
- Read the following quote from Allen Say. What do you think it means?
- "Most people seem to be interested in turning their dreams into reality. Then there are those who turn reality into dreams. I belong to the latter group."
http://www.uvm.edu/~litblock/webquest/236Spring2003/Shelit/
Invite local artists to listen to their stories.
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