This is a new meme started by Books by Proxy, whose fabulous idea was to compare UK and US book covers and decide which is the better. This week’s topic is to find two nifty covers relating to cities – and The Forever Watch by David Ramirez was my obvious choice. The added icing on the cake is that it happens to be one of my all-time favourite generational ship novels to date…
The brooding UK cover with its cityscape in shades of grey, apart from Hana, who is depicted in red, very effectively imparts the sense of dread and unease that permeates through this mystery thriller. I love the claustrophobia within the cityscape that the designers, Raid 71, manage to evoke. It so clearly transmits the feel of the book.
And yet, Alan Brooks also manages to create a similar feeling of dread within this accomplished US cover in quite a different way. The flare of yellow within the cityscape which is clearly transitioning, gives a sense of movement within the buildings. While in the foreground the female figure – obviously Hana – looks poised for danger. I also very much like the spacescape right at the top of the cover.
Both covers clearly communicate aspects of the book. Both covers are stunning. But, for me, the UK version just edges it. I love the starkness and brooding threat , which so effectively captures the mood of this memorable murder mystery.
Brainfluff 