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This week, Gamache heads to the Far East with the Chinese edition of Bury Your Dead. At first glance, the covers look wildly different: the Chinese version features a wreath of flowers on a black background, while the original US edition shows leaves falling onto white snow. But a closer inspection reveals similar symbolism. Both covers employ the use of a blurred effect, which could allude to the blurred lines between fact and fiction as Gamache investigates his latest case.
And both covers portray foliage, in various states of decay. Perhaps a nod to the title of the book itself?
Just as foreign publishers will design new jackets for a book in their market, sometimes we’ll create an alternate look for different US editions as well. Take a look at our mass market edition of Bury Your Dead. Of the three, which do you prefer? What similarities do you see between the two US editions? What differences?
30 replies on “Gamache Goes Abroad: Bury Your Dead”
I have an opportunity to read through the Final submission. I am quite pleased with the quality paper that was created by my writer. I definitely will be utilizing your services for my future doctoral works.
What shaving cream and after shave does CHIEF INSPECTOR GAMACHE USE?
Dr. Edward Gotfried
Neither cover would attract my attention in a bookstore. My own paperback (always paperbacks for me, so I’ll wait to buy the book set in my own “hometown”) is the one with the lone figure on the plains of Abraham in the snow…
I prefer the US edition too for its ambiguity — nothing is ever as clear as it seems in your story lines or for the Gamache character!
My book shows a figure walking away and into a snowstorm. I believe it is the Canadian edition.
I prefer the North American version. There is more depiction of Canada.
This is the book that brought me into the series! I was attracted by the (U.S. hardback) cover and title first (❤️ those in the snow). When I saw that it was set in the Québec region and featured a French speaking detective, I had to purchase it. From that moment on, I was hooked. As a French teacher in the U.S., I’ve had the good fortune to visit Montréal, Québec City and a bit of the St. Laurence river area and reading this book was like taking a trip back AND meeting some unforgettable characters. And with the new book set in Paris, I feel as though I’ll be returning to France with family. Vive Gamache!
I prefer the US version. It signifies the area and time of year where the crime takes place like almost placing you right into the scene
How come all the above readers know what this book is about? I won’t get mine until August and I pre ordered it. I was sure after the last book that this one would be set in Paris because Jon Guy was going there to live there with Gamashe’s grand kids.
They are referring g to the older book, Bury Your Dead, not the new book ( set in Paris) which comes out September 1st.
I prefer the North American cover. There can’t be a story set in a Quebec City winter without snow and ice. The maple leaves poking through is a nice touch.
I agree with Jen.
The Chinese cover does not appeal to me at all.
I find the U.S. cover more evocative of the story. I agree with Alice that the cover represents the many layers involved. If I were a new reader, the stark black and gold cover would repel me and perhaps cause me not to read this wondrous novel.
I like the cover that is blue with a crack in the ice. I believe it is the US mass market cover. It seems so sinister and mysterious. Plus, I am more drawn to the rich blue cover mire than either the black or white covers.
I prefer the US version. I see it representing many layers to the story. This is perhaps my favorite book. Many things have happened and many more have yet to be resolved. The leaves in the snow tell me to follow and don’t dwell on just the surface. Go deeper
I really liked the Chinese cover. However, the US cover was evocative if disappointment and despair.
I prefer the Chinese version, as its more distinctive than either of the American covers. It would also be interesting to see Canadian covers, unless they’re the same.
The canadian covers are different…at least the ones I have
Chinese version – this book is about the finality of death. The death of people, hopes and dreams.
Cover says, No pussy footing around – there is going to be death. The blurring of the flowers as we look through our tears into ourselves.
The black cover is bold- it demands you to pick up the book.
Here’s a first for me with choosing the Chinese cover. I like the contrast with the dark and white. I also happen to love wreaths and I do gravitate to looking, choosing, and making wreaths. Thanks for another interesting choice.
I prefer the US version. I appreciate the authors name is prominent. The fallen leaves represent Canada. The way they cover the ground makes me question what else is buried under the ground. And in this book there are several buried dead to be examined. It is all in all quite representative of the themes in this book. Just quite subtle.
The US version is my choice also. I would not have been able to put the reasons so very well as did Sandy. Thank you, Sandy! I agree entirely.
My favorite place outside of Three Pines is definitely center Montreal. I have visited but really want to go back soon.
far east? far from where?
old terminology that reflects british imperialism sorry to say.
East Asia, South Asia, Northern Asia centers geographically around the area itself.
I like the stages of decay better than the overt wreath signifying death. It’s more subtle and ambiguous….which is part of the beauty of your books … everything isn’t out there for the reader to ‘get’ at once.
I totally agree