Dolly's Reviews > The Clothing of Books

This is a short essay on the interconnection between an author's writing and the cover of the book in which it is printed. I was surprised that Jhumpa Lahiri wrote the piece in Italian; her husband smoothly translated it into English such that I did not sense any loss of meaning in the translation.

I had never really thought about it, but when an author has five published books that are published in many different languages, she can end up with dozens of different book covers for the same material. Seems a bit odd, now that I think of it, but when she discusses how each cover is meant to maximize sales and appeal to the target audience, I understand the intent.

Only in the last year have I come to understand how little communication the author may have with the illustrator/cover illustrator for her book. I always thought it was more of a partnership, but often it's more of a strict business transaction. Even with children's picture books. Interesting...

Overall, it was an engaging essay and I enjoyed listening to Ms. Lahiri narrate it on audiobook.