Gail Aldwin’s novel, The String Games, gains an award as finalist in the Best Cover Design Category of the 2019 International Book Awards. The catalyst for the story is the abduction and murder of a young boy but the focus of events remains on his elder sister as she moves forward from this tragic event in her childhood.
The cover image reflects the vulnerability of Nim, the protagonist, in the profile detail and the title words in string illustrate the tangled and knotted lives of the characters.The design was produced collaboratively with input from Gail to inform the images created by Fiona Zechmeister. Fiona says, ‘the ideas were agreed early in the process. I then used the traditional technique of watercolour to create delicate images.’ Gail is thrilled the cover image has been recognised in the International Book Awards 2019. ‘It was great working with Fiona who is an outstanding illustrator.’
The novel has received a wonderful review from Dorset reader, Laura, who said, ‘I fell in love with this tale of grief and loss.’ You can read the whole review on Jera’s Jamboree.
The String Games has the support of independent bookshops in Dorset who stock the novel. You can obtain copies from Serendip in Lyme Regis, The Book Shop in Bridport, Gullivers in Wimborne and Winstone’s in Sherborne. It is also available in Waterstones stores and online or you can order directly from Victorina Press.
