The Tattooed Map

Not everyone's cup of tea, but certainly mine - I enjoyed it immensely. I read the whole book in an evening and the following afternoon. The illustrations, photos, maps, bits of ephemera are all the sort of thing I delight in looking at. I actually would give this 4 1/2 stars, because the lack of page numbers was a little distracting. It's printed on nice thick paper, and a few times I had to make sure I hadn't skipped a page. The ending felt a little rushed after all the buildup - I wanted more, but that's ok...imagination can fill in the rest.

If you are a fan of the Griffin & Sabine series by Nick Bantock, you will probably also be a fan of Barbara Hodgson. In her first book, THE TATTOOED MAP, she weaves a story much like Bantock does. Beautiful drawings, photographs and handwritten notes adorn the margins of Lydia Usher's journal, the book you will find yourself reading.Lydia and her friend Christopher have travelled together for many years, some distance growing between them during the past several trips. After they arrive in Morroco, Lydia gets what she thinks are flea bites on her hand. Soon however the red markings have formed a tattoo, one that is growing up her arm. The lines form a map, but of where or when Lydia is unsure. And then she vanishes, leaving behind her journal, notes and photos. Christopher is shocked and surprised at her sudden disappearance, but not as surprised as he becomes once he starts to read her journal and look for her.

.. then buy this book. Otherwise, start with Nick Bantock. Barbara Hodgson does a very good job with a similar idea, but it's obviously an early work, and just not quite there yet. That said, I really did enjoy reading it, and she's got some lovely images.

I like her style, and the scrapbook style really adds to the story. Recommended, also check out her other books, which are equally good.

I loved this book! The combination of travel guide, diary, and mystery novel is amazing! It made me feel like I had taken this trip and now have a scrapbook for a souvenir. I want more like this! Thank you, Barbara Hodgson.

but the story left us hanging and wasn't very thrilling. I keep expecting to see some good collage & assembalage with a good story - is that too much to ask or impossible to receive?

As far as graphic novels go, I'd say this was good. However, I would have liked more at the end or a sequel novel.

I kept waiting for the big thing to happen, but it didn't. I re-read the book, including all pictures & misc stubs, receipts etc., I even translated the Arabic into English.

I bought this on the strength that it may have been similar to the Griffin & Sabine trilogy - but it is not. Whereas the G&S books have a magical & slightly supernatural flavour to them and a very unique way of telling the story, this I found somewhat tedious and a bit . . . . well, bland. I read the first 20 - 25 pages and kind of lost interest, then picked it up again a week later, read a bit more and again put it to one side. It is, on the plus side, choc-full of interesting & intriguing pictures, photos, ephemera and quirky bits of historic imagery, but that alone cannot make up for the rather frustratingly slow 'dialogue'.I'm pleased I bought an inexpensive second hand - in very good condition - copy & woul have been somewhat disappointed if I had shelled out a lot more! (There is a mention of Nick Bantock - the author of Griffin & Sabine story - in the acknowledgements, so perhaps this tale was inspired by his books?)

Loved this book the first time around and decided it would be a lovely present for a dear friend of mine.