Our first cover reveal of August is a treat for fans of whole-jacket designs. Say hello to the beautiful Barbara the Slut!
Barbara the Slut and Other People is Lauren Holmes’s debut, a fresh, honest, and darkly funny short story collection about family, friends, and lovers, and the flaws that make us most human. Fearless, candid, and incredibly funny, Lauren is a newcomer who writes like a master. Philipp Meyer called it ‘An astonishing collection—one of those rare books that manages to be both poignant and hilarious.’
The cover design, by the ingenious Rachel Willey, vividly displays the enduring image from the collection – the word ‘SLUT’ spray-painted in pink letters on the front of the titular Barbara’s school locker. The word, sprawling across the flaps, back cover, spine and front cover, is as accusatory and provocative as it is in the story.
And the design works as well up close as it does from far away. Just look at the texture on that paint!
A word of warning for when you’re reading the book on public transport, however – you may end up accidentally advertising your sexual availability to amorous co-passengers, as our Executive Publisher, David Roth-Ey, here demonstrates…
Barbara the Slut is published by 4th Estate on 13th August 2015.
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