I chose three of my favorite fictions that have a similar underlined theme of human quest and yearning for survival. Written under the backdrop of different socio-economic and political conditions, all the three stories share a tone of satire and dark humor, yet feels positive and hopeful at the same time.
Book 01 | A House for Mr. Biswas | V.S Naipaul
A House for Mr. Biswas is the story of Mohun Biswas who has spent his 46 years of life striving for independence. Shuttled from one residence to another after the drowning of his father, he yearns for a place he can call home. A heartrending comedy of manners, that evokes a man's quest for autonomy against the backdrop of postcolonial Trinidad.
Book 02 | The Book Thief | Markus Zusak
The Book Thief is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Set during World War II in Nazy Germany, it's just a small story really, about, among other things, a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery.
Book 03 | I am the Messenger | Markus Zusak
I am the Messenger is the story of underage cabdriver Ed Kennedy who doesn't have much of a future. He's pathetic at playing cards, hopelessly in love with his best friend, Audrey, and utterly devoted to his coffee-drinking dog, the Doorman. His life is one of peaceful routine and incompetence until he inadvertently stops a bank robbery.That's when the first ace arrives in the mail. That's when Ed becomes the messenger.
I am the Messenger is the story of underage cabdriver Ed Kennedy who doesn't have much of a future. He's pathetic at playing cards, hopelessly in love with his best friend, Audrey, and utterly devoted to his coffee-drinking dog, the Doorman. His life is one of peaceful routine and incompetence until he inadvertently stops a bank robbery.That's when the first ace arrives in the mail. That's when Ed becomes the messenger.
I took a minimal approach for this cover to reflect the simple characters and their modest lifestyles. Through the color story, I attempted to stay close to the theme of the content and evoke an emotional connection with the audience.
The typographic front cover gives away a little bit of the story. I used hand-rendered type along with one element of photography to connect with the content and create a sense of mystery. The back cover is a continuation of the front with a concrete image that provides an additional layer of interest.
