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Tintinnabula
In wild times and in wartime, in times of fear and illness, I go to Tintinnabula, where soft rains fall. Tintinnabula is a story about moving from discomfort to peace, from violence and uncertainty to a still, sure place. It reminds us that our best friend in hard times can often be ourselves.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2017
241 people want to read
About the author
Margo Lanagan
109 books627 followersMargo Lanagan, born in Waratah, New South Wales, is an Australian writer of short stories and young adult fiction.
Many of her books, including YA fiction, were only published in Australia. Recently, several of her books have attracted worldwide attention. Her short story collection Black Juice won two World Fantasy Awards. It was published in Australia by Allen & Unwin and the United Kingdom by Gollancz in 2004, and in North America by HarperCollins in 2005. It includes the much-anthologized short story "Singing My Sister Down".
Her short story collection White Time, originally published in Australia by Allen & Unwin in 2000, was published in North America by HarperCollins in August 2006, after the success of Black Juice.
Many of her books, including YA fiction, were only published in Australia. Recently, several of her books have attracted worldwide attention. Her short story collection Black Juice won two World Fantasy Awards. It was published in Australia by Allen & Unwin and the United Kingdom by Gollancz in 2004, and in North America by HarperCollins in 2005. It includes the much-anthologized short story "Singing My Sister Down".
Her short story collection White Time, originally published in Australia by Allen & Unwin in 2000, was published in North America by HarperCollins in August 2006, after the success of Black Juice.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
September 25, 2023
Wow - have just become a huge fan of both the author and illustrator - surreal - yet very relevant. Over a gutted landscape visions start to take form; visions of total destruction and annihilation. A journey is being made - a journey to a land that is hospitable and welcoming. But the reader is never sure if this is an inward or outward journey.
January 18, 2020
This is a very unusual picture book. It is dedicated to "war children" and depicts a solitary figure walking through a disturbed landscape.
Is it the landscape of the soul? It reminded me considerably of theological explanations progress through Purgatory, leaving behind that which is hellish and drawing ever closer to celestial peace and becoming one's purified self.
It also brought to mind the concept of "inner immigration" formulated by some German artists and intellectuals in response to the dominance of Nazism -- something that's been on my mind in the current political climate.
What about the name, though? What is the role or symbolism of the bells? Did the author simply like the musicality of the word?
Would this book be of use to a child who had experienced war? I don't know.
Is it the landscape of the soul? It reminded me considerably of theological explanations progress through Purgatory, leaving behind that which is hellish and drawing ever closer to celestial peace and becoming one's purified self.
It also brought to mind the concept of "inner immigration" formulated by some German artists and intellectuals in response to the dominance of Nazism -- something that's been on my mind in the current political climate.
What about the name, though? What is the role or symbolism of the bells? Did the author simply like the musicality of the word?
Would this book be of use to a child who had experienced war? I don't know.
March 13, 2019
This moody book by Margo Lanagan and illustrated by Rovina Cai is not obviously based on Edgar Allen Poe's "The Bells," which is probably where every English speaker first heard the word tintinnabulation. In case you are wondering, "tintinnabulation" is the lingering sound of a ringing bell that occurs after the bell has been struck.
"Keeping time, time, time,
In a sort of Runic rhyme,
To the tintinnabulation that so musically wells
From the bells, bells, bells, bells,
Bells, bells, bells --
From the jingling and the tinkling of the bells."
[The book is obviously not a book about tinitus, which is a constant annoying ringing that millions of people, mostly older ones like me, have in their heads every waking moment, driving them crazy! But that's my problem; back to the review.]
The story, which I think would appeal more to adults than children, but is still obviously relevant to children, is a psychological tale of sorts about someone who is besieged by the horrors of the world and needs a place to escape to; that place as it turns out is within.
I said that the book wasn't "obviously," about Poe's "The Bells," but now think it is pretty Poe-tic in its melancholy, with lovely largely dark illustrations that get lighter as we approach the safe place. The writing is not heavily rhyming and obviously rhythmed as Poe's poem is, but the complicated relationship to sound--sometimes maddening, sometimes soothing--is there in the poem.
Here, if you have read Lanagan's book, or if you now want to quickly look at Poe's "The Bells," you can find it here:
https://poestories.com/read/bells
"Keeping time, time, time,
In a sort of Runic rhyme,
To the tintinnabulation that so musically wells
From the bells, bells, bells, bells,
Bells, bells, bells --
From the jingling and the tinkling of the bells."
[The book is obviously not a book about tinitus, which is a constant annoying ringing that millions of people, mostly older ones like me, have in their heads every waking moment, driving them crazy! But that's my problem; back to the review.]
The story, which I think would appeal more to adults than children, but is still obviously relevant to children, is a psychological tale of sorts about someone who is besieged by the horrors of the world and needs a place to escape to; that place as it turns out is within.
I said that the book wasn't "obviously," about Poe's "The Bells," but now think it is pretty Poe-tic in its melancholy, with lovely largely dark illustrations that get lighter as we approach the safe place. The writing is not heavily rhyming and obviously rhythmed as Poe's poem is, but the complicated relationship to sound--sometimes maddening, sometimes soothing--is there in the poem.
Here, if you have read Lanagan's book, or if you now want to quickly look at Poe's "The Bells," you can find it here:
https://poestories.com/read/bells
May 27, 2019
The narrator of this atmospheric picture-book from Australia retreats from the terrors of the world to the calm haven of Tintinnabula, where cool rains fall and the soft ringing of bells brings peace. The poetic text from author Margo Lanagan - "In times of drought and wind, in times of noise, / and stress and argument, / in times of ill feeling / and in times of fear, / from the bright bare ugly difficult / sweating sun-hot world I go / to Tintinnabula" - is paired with striking pencil artwork from illustrator Rovina Cai.
The first thing to strike me, upon picking up Tintinnabula, was the title, which for me brings to mind the marvelous music of Estonian composer Arvo Pärt, who is known (among other things) for the Tintinnabuli style he created. I couldn't help but wonder whether this was an influence for Lanagan, given Pärt's statement that "Tintinnabulation is an area I sometimes wander into when I am searching for answers – in my life, my music, my work. In my dark hours, I have the certain feeling that everything outside this one thing has no meaning. The complex and many-faceted only confuses me, and I must search for unity." Of course, as noted by other reviewers, Edgar Allan Poe's poem, The Bells, with its mention of tintinnabulation, might also be an influence.
Whatever the case might be, this was an interesting picture-book, one I think will have more significance and appeal for adult readers, than for most children. There isn't really a story, as such, more a contemplative meditation on the idea of retreat in a harsh and disturbing world. Lanagan's text is engaging, with an occasional turn of phrase I found quite striking, but it was Cai's artwork that particularly stands out to me here. The detailed pencil work is lovely, creating a real sense of motion, while the subtle color range, moving slowly from darker to slightly lighter hues, captures the emotional pitch of each scene. I'm not sure to whom I would recommend this one... perhaps adults who enjoy more poetic, philosophical picture-books?
The first thing to strike me, upon picking up Tintinnabula, was the title, which for me brings to mind the marvelous music of Estonian composer Arvo Pärt, who is known (among other things) for the Tintinnabuli style he created. I couldn't help but wonder whether this was an influence for Lanagan, given Pärt's statement that "Tintinnabulation is an area I sometimes wander into when I am searching for answers – in my life, my music, my work. In my dark hours, I have the certain feeling that everything outside this one thing has no meaning. The complex and many-faceted only confuses me, and I must search for unity." Of course, as noted by other reviewers, Edgar Allan Poe's poem, The Bells, with its mention of tintinnabulation, might also be an influence.
Whatever the case might be, this was an interesting picture-book, one I think will have more significance and appeal for adult readers, than for most children. There isn't really a story, as such, more a contemplative meditation on the idea of retreat in a harsh and disturbing world. Lanagan's text is engaging, with an occasional turn of phrase I found quite striking, but it was Cai's artwork that particularly stands out to me here. The detailed pencil work is lovely, creating a real sense of motion, while the subtle color range, moving slowly from darker to slightly lighter hues, captures the emotional pitch of each scene. I'm not sure to whom I would recommend this one... perhaps adults who enjoy more poetic, philosophical picture-books?
June 18, 2018
Absolutely stunning illustrations that act in concert with brief yet beautiful poetic prose. I read it, then I read it again, then again. A real treasure, for children and adults alike!
June 27, 2019
Hauntingly lyrical. How a person can find solace in themselves amid turmoil and uncertainty
For fans of Shaun Tan and Neil Gaiman.
For fans of Shaun Tan and Neil Gaiman.
October 22, 2017
"Who rings those bells? Who waits in that good place beyond that rising, falling hill? Who sings among those trees?" - Margo Lanagan,
'Tintinnabula'
'Tintinnabula' is my first Margo Lanagan, despite my extensive tbr featuring many of her books.
'Tintinnabula' tells of a character’s journey as she follows the sound of the bells which lead her from a world of fear and violence to a place known as Tintinnabula. Here she finally finds peace and comfort. Within the book, Lanagan suggests that this story could be a metaphor for children fleeing from war, violence, abuse or the suffering of a mental illness.
Lanagan’s beautifully poetic, vivid and passionate writing was wonderful. However, I found the story slightly too vague. Ironically, the blurb offers more information about the story than what was written in the book itself.
Despite 'Tintinnabula' being marketed at children and generally found in the children’s section of bookshops; it is actually quite a complex and adult book, therefore probably best suited to older children and teenagers.
One of the reasons why I bought this book is that it was illustrated by one of my favourite artists, Rovina Cai. Her extraordinarily detailed illustrations, along with her use of colour and ability to create mood and movement is why I love her art so much.
Her illustrations in 'Tintinnabula' didn’t disappoint. I loved the change in the colour palette as the story progresses. The book begins with an unnatural, darkly vivid and threatening red, before briefly transitioning to a dull grey. Finally settling on a calmer, lighter and more natural green.
Margo Lanagan and Rovina Cai are a perfect match, they create such stunningly vivid and moving imagery together. I can’t wait to read their previous collaboration, 'Singing My Sister Down' .
'Tintinnabula' is my first Margo Lanagan, despite my extensive tbr featuring many of her books.
'Tintinnabula' tells of a character’s journey as she follows the sound of the bells which lead her from a world of fear and violence to a place known as Tintinnabula. Here she finally finds peace and comfort. Within the book, Lanagan suggests that this story could be a metaphor for children fleeing from war, violence, abuse or the suffering of a mental illness.
Lanagan’s beautifully poetic, vivid and passionate writing was wonderful. However, I found the story slightly too vague. Ironically, the blurb offers more information about the story than what was written in the book itself.
Despite 'Tintinnabula' being marketed at children and generally found in the children’s section of bookshops; it is actually quite a complex and adult book, therefore probably best suited to older children and teenagers.
One of the reasons why I bought this book is that it was illustrated by one of my favourite artists, Rovina Cai. Her extraordinarily detailed illustrations, along with her use of colour and ability to create mood and movement is why I love her art so much.
Her illustrations in 'Tintinnabula' didn’t disappoint. I loved the change in the colour palette as the story progresses. The book begins with an unnatural, darkly vivid and threatening red, before briefly transitioning to a dull grey. Finally settling on a calmer, lighter and more natural green.
Margo Lanagan and Rovina Cai are a perfect match, they create such stunningly vivid and moving imagery together. I can’t wait to read their previous collaboration, 'Singing My Sister Down' .
October 5, 2021
Illustrations are beautiful but the book itself doesn't seem to have an intended audience.
April 28, 2019
A beautiful book of melancholy.
February 8, 2019
Some of the reviews are questioning whether or not this is a book for children. The short answer? Yes. Should it be? Another short answer: Yes.
January 21, 2019
Not necessarily the most engaging text, and it seems to prefer being vague. The art, however, is terrific, and, due to its vagueness, the book works as a conversation starter with students for sure.
October 4, 2018
My feeling about this book is that I'd like to like it. I feel very unsure after reading it. It's about finding peace within in the midst of dark and scary anxiety (my impression with the text + art) but it ended up leaving me very dissatisfied. I guess I hoped for some real comfort but in spite of the text, the foreboding feeling never really went away. Almost felt like a ghost story where the relief will come after you're dead. :-(
July 22, 2017
Stunning. In every way.
February 6, 2018
Poetic and beautifully illustrated.
November 14, 2017
Thought provoking and memorable.
February 17, 2018
It's interesting and made me stop and think for a bit afterwards. I mainly just loved the beautiful illustrations and of course the cover is stunning.
Read
August 21, 2018Interesting concept - mixed feelings about this one
December 5, 2018
Beautiful pencil drawings.
December 15, 2020
There are some things in this world that are so terrible, so gut-wrenchingly unbearable that just the prospect of waking up the next morning and going about your day can seem like an impossibility. How to move on and find peace after witnessing something terrible is at the heart of Tintinnabula's message.
Tintinnabula is dedicated "for war children everywhere" and their love and care for these children come through on every page. The plot is simply about an unnamed person moving past the storm like dangers and fears of the world and into a green pasture of peace and calm. They follow the sounds of a bell and discover that it is themselves, a confidant, clear, version of themself, that greets them.
The simple, soft language feels like a personal prayer. Accompanied by beautiful illustrations showing the pain of the world as a storm of wolves and beasts, and the sound of the bells as silver ribbons on the wind makes this a very special book.
As an adult, I appreciate the very serious message. Especially that it is ourselves that can ultimately guide us back to the path of peace. Not some other external source. Although the greater message of the book was lost on my four-year-old she still enjoyed the illustrations and the lyrical way I read the words. We also used the end of the book to discuss how we can choose to be calm and peaceful instead of scared or angry.
Tintinnabula is dedicated "for war children everywhere" and their love and care for these children come through on every page. The plot is simply about an unnamed person moving past the storm like dangers and fears of the world and into a green pasture of peace and calm. They follow the sounds of a bell and discover that it is themselves, a confidant, clear, version of themself, that greets them.
The simple, soft language feels like a personal prayer. Accompanied by beautiful illustrations showing the pain of the world as a storm of wolves and beasts, and the sound of the bells as silver ribbons on the wind makes this a very special book.
As an adult, I appreciate the very serious message. Especially that it is ourselves that can ultimately guide us back to the path of peace. Not some other external source. Although the greater message of the book was lost on my four-year-old she still enjoyed the illustrations and the lyrical way I read the words. We also used the end of the book to discuss how we can choose to be calm and peaceful instead of scared or angry.
November 20, 2018
I struggled with this book - scary images on reds and blacks transform into dark greens with white swirls - more ghostly rather than representing silver rains and the intended safe haven. A story about living in fear and having a place of safety to go to - metaphorically. Prose attempts to be poetic but I found it somewhat stilted. This book didn't work for me - definitely targeting older readers (teenagers) but I am not convinced that many would get sufficient from it to make it memorable.
As the 2018 winner of the CBCA Chrichton Award for New Illustrators I can commend the overall design, interesting and varied layouts and quite dramatic illustrations but for me there were several places where they contradicted rather than extended the text and I failed to see Tintinnabula as a haven with its dark olive-green hues and broken buildings.
As the 2018 winner of the CBCA Chrichton Award for New Illustrators I can commend the overall design, interesting and varied layouts and quite dramatic illustrations but for me there were several places where they contradicted rather than extended the text and I failed to see Tintinnabula as a haven with its dark olive-green hues and broken buildings.
July 5, 2019
This complex, moving and poignant picture book explores themes of introspection, emotional turmoil, self-control, renewal and finding inner peace. The emotional journey is represented through poetic language and dramatic illustrations. Not a picture book for young children but an exploration of complex ideas through visual representations, similar to Shaun Tan. How does the young woman reach Tintinnabula? Where is this unusual place? The illustrations provide a gradual and seamless change in the landscape that mirrors her inner world and heralds a coming of peace and calm. Rovina Cai’s ethereal illustrations have been rightly recognised in this CBCA shortlist nomination.
June 24, 2024
Tintinnabla is a book about a girl with no name and she travels across mutable terrines. I think this book should be rated teenagers to young adults. My favourite part was when the girl found Tintinnabla. I was a little disappointed that the story line was unclear and short. I think Margo Lanagan could have don better with her book Tintinnabla. I read the book again to remember. I liked the illustrations because they were bold and detailed. Some of the revues are a bit harsh but some of them I can agree with. I think it could have used more and better characters.
January 24, 2021
Although I can appreciate the poetic resonance of the story and its beautiful illustrations, I feel that the concept is too abstract for the PB audience. I had to read the story multiple time to understand what was happening which can be more of an interpretation. I would recommend this book more for adults that little ones.
April 7, 2022
Beautiful, emotional, glorious illustrations. It’s a story I thought about long after reading, the movement from chaos to stability and peace was beautifully illustrated. It speaks of a quiet resilience and determination. I love that she meets herself in this place of safety. The prose reminds me of a quote from my favourite poem a man in assynt.
February 25, 2019
This book would have given me night terrors as a kid but it is not for me. This is a story of perseverance during war and upheaval. The pictures are dark, dark, dark but the words urge you onward toward a still rather dark solace.
December 2, 2022
This seemed kind of confused, like the artist didn't quite know who the audience was but still committed regardless. The poem itself was weird and repetitive and off-brand for kiddos, but the illustrations felt like a sci fi or fantasy novel so maybe that's intentional? Meh.
October 13, 2017
Tintinnabula explores the ideas of confrontation and finding peace within yourself. It’s visually quite striking and I enjoy Margo Lanagan’s short stories so I thought this would be a slam dunk for me - but sadly I didn’t like it as much as I thought I would.
February 5, 2018
I found this book in the children's picture book section of my local library. My assessment of it is based on an expectation that it is intended for children. But is it really?
March 7, 2018
A bit of a disappointment. Sorry.
June 3, 2018
for older readers
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews