I am absolutely knocked out by the cover design for Murder at Sunny Lake. The designer took my simple ideas and made some fantastic art. I said something along the lines of, “a grid with some pictures, clues from the book.”
Symbolism in Literature
Symbolism in literature is a technique where authors use symbols, which can be objects, characters, animals, settings, or even abstract concepts, to represent deeper ideas, themes, or emotions. These symbols go beyond their literal meanings, adding layers of meaning to the text. For example, a red rose in a story might symbolize love or passion. Symbolism allows authors to convey complex concepts, evoke emotions, and create depth in their writing, enriching the reader’s experience by inviting them to explore hidden meanings and connections within the narrative.
Spoiler Alert: reading my post about the cover will give away some of the plot of the novel, Murder at Sunny Lake.
The Cover Design
Black is a common background colour for murder mystery novels, and I opted for white and red text. That meant the grid would be white. It is reminiscent of slide puzzles, where the player slides tiles in a box to solve the visual puzzle.
The Sun
The photograph of the sun rays was snapped by my wife. I think she was actually taking a photo of a plane, but I loved the burst of light. The most obvious connection is Sunny Lake. Next is Sun Kumar, Murphy’s new romantic love interest.
The super saturation of the sun in orange is also significant. I have used the colour orange throughout the storyline. Murphy grew up in Ireland during the Troubles, a violent decades long conflict primarily between Northern Ireland’s Protestant unionists, and Catholic nationalists. Car bombings were part of the conflict, and Murphy was badly injured as a child when an orange car exploded. Orange recurrs around incidents that might trigger her PTSD.
The Lake
Not terribly sunny, this landscape (lakescape?) painting recalls the world’s of the Group of Seven. The Group of Seven was crucial to Canadian landscape art as they revolutionized it by embracing the nation’s unique natural beauty. They painted the Canadian wilderness in a bold and distinctive style, fostering a sense of national identity and pride in the landscape.
Landscape deeply connects with the human soul. Nature’s beauty inspires awe, tranquility, and reflection. It mirrors our lives, offering solace and reflecting our emotions. In nature, we find a sanctuary to heal, connect, and rediscover ourselves. But in this story, land and water are not sanctuaries but custodians of dark secrets. The stormy skies provide a suitable foreboding atmosphere.
The Golf Ball
What a crazy photo my wife took. A golf ball in a tree. Before you ask: yes, she loves to take photos of found human detritus in the natural environment. When I saw this amongst her photos, I had to use it. It neatly visually ties the golf course to a tree that is growing around the foreign object. I know it looks staged but if it was, not by us.
The Trillium
The Trillium, Ontario’s provincial flower, is a delicate and iconic symbol of the province’s natural beauty. Its three pure white petals symbolize Ontario’s three regions: Northern, Southern, and Central. This resilient wildflower is often found in forests and woodlands, blooming in spring to carpet the forest floor. Its presence not only marks the changing seasons but also serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving Ontario’s rich biodiversity and natural heritage.
But this trillium is purple-a colour long associated with queer people. I hope it’s easy to see the representation for Sun. It breaks through the grids, symbolizing Sun breaking through Murphy’s protective emotional walls.
Stained Glass Face
Stained glass became most prominent during the medieval period in Europe, particularly in Gothic cathedrals. In the Middle Ages, stained glass began to evolve into a medium for religious storytelling. Artists started depicting biblical scenes, saints, and religious symbolism in these colorful windows. Stained glass windows became a way to educate the largely illiterate congregation (some religions purposefully spoke in Latin so no one could understand) about religious stories and beliefs.
This stained glass face represents the church and Murphy’s Catholicism, but there’s more. The contemporary image of an Indigenous woman, with one blinded eye, represents the struggles of the Indigenous peoples against systems of oppression (like the church, and the police via Murphy’s connection to the church).
The Cardinal Eye
This little red bird has had a strong spiritual connection across centuries and across faiths. But that’s not why it’s on the cover of my novel. It is the all-seeing eye, a natural watcher from the woods. And more, but you have to read the book to find out.
Exceeded Expectations
The cover design for Murder at Sunny Lake has exceeded my expectations, transforming simple ideas into fantastic artwork. This artistic interpretation beautifully mirrors the power of symbolism in my novel.
Just as the cover design of a novel can convey deeper meanings through visual elements, authors employ symbolism to enrich their narratives, offering readers a chance to delve into hidden layers of emotion and meaning.
Later friend…
Be First to Comment