Gamache Goes Abroad – Still Life
ALL THE DEVILS ARE HERE finds our dear Inspector in France so there’s no better place to kick off our “Gamache Goes Abroad” cover musings than en français!
And, wow, the current U.S. cover treatment of Still Life couldn’t be any different from how our French colleagues handled the look of the book. While we opted for a subtle nod to the title — the art genre that dates back to the Egyptians — the French took a more severe route, depicting a key plot point (no spoilers, please!). It’s noteworthy that both covers feature framed imagery which could symbolize a window, or, entryway, into the series.
What do you think?
Which cover do you gravitate towards?
The artwork in US version captured me from the get go. I would definitely choose that cover to explore from a book store’s display. I don’t care enough about the realistic artwork from the French cover to give it a second look to find out if I’d like to read this book.
I like the American version.
The thing that stikes me the most is the book’s title in French- Nature Morte. Translated into English it would be “Dead Nature”.
Another vote for the American version. Blue is my color and attracts me more than the red. It’s also a very appealing photograph making me wonder what lies ahead.
If I was in a book store the French cover would draw my attention quicker than the US one. Maybe it is the bright red color, blood.
I like the US cover better, but I think the French cover might be more relevant to the tone of the book.
American version is way better. I’m Belgian and I first bought the book in French. At first I was surprised that the title was Still life although the painting was not an actual still life painting.
I’m drawn to the French title and prefer the American grafics.
US version
I like the US version. To me it’s a softer look that invites me in.
I prefer the American version because the title grabs your eye first.
I like the American one because it more complex. The use of light and shadow creates an atmosphere. The flowers are light and alive and stand in the darkness surrounding them. It also gives off an aura of mystery.
American version
The US cover is my choice. Much more subtle. (Not something usually said about America!)
Original version