The newest controversy in romanceland is about the covers of certain books. The issue in question is supposedly that the cover model doesn’t reflect the actual character in the book. Is that really what is being debated or is it just another reason to discuss racism in romance? What’s the real issue here?
Let’s be honest. Are any covers with actual people on them ever good? You might run into one or two, but please, don’t act like we’re not less than thrilled when we see a covers that have man with Fabio hair looking down at a damsel in distress that looks like she’s a size -2.
Why continue to use cover art to disguise the fact that this is about racism? I’m not saying it is right or wrong that the books in question (Liar by Justine Larbalestier and Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore) don’t accurately depict the characters. Dear Author recently did a feature on Bloomsbury, the publisher of Liar. This sentence caught my eye:
Bloomsbury doesn’t want dark skinned people on their covers.
I was a little taken aback by that sweeping statement. How many books a year does Bloombury publish? Tens? Hundreds? Thousands? Out of all those books, there are two books that have been brought to our attention.
While I don’t agree with the statement about Bloomsbury not wanting dark skinned people on their covers, at least Jane has the balls to admit that this is really about racism, not cover art. Other blogs I’ve read have thrown up random covers that don’t portray characters seemingly ignoring the fact that at the end of the day, when you peel the layers away all that is left at the bottom of this is racism.
Admit it people.
Holly ETA: Apparently Bloomsbury has decided to stop supplying copes if Magic Under Glass and plans to change the cover.
Can’t really say since most of the romance I read, the hero & heroine are not Asian or African American (btw, this does not disturb this Asian person.) I don’t know any of the stories you are referring to, so can’t really comment but such general accusation can be dangerous and irresponsible if not supported by more facts than 2 covers and 1 opinion/observation/what is it? (or did she get a statement from Bloomsbury) from a blogger.
The cover of Liar is of a black woman – am i correct that we are actual arguing over the DEGREE of darkness of one’s skin now? I’m not sure that’s really a racist issue but a color prejudice?! When one focus so much on SHADES of people, who’s to say who’s committing the prejudice.
I’m just saying.*shrug*
mph,
The cover of Liar originally had a white girl on it.
Hey casey,
No, the cover on the link to Amazon is of a black woman – perhaps she is of mixed race or has light-skin but she is not White.
mph,
You’re right about the cover NOW having a black girl, but when the book was first slated to be released Bloomsbury had a white girl on the cover. There was a huge uproar over it and they ended up changing the cover to what it is now.
Which is just adding to the fuel over this new cover.
ahhhh, I see now.
Totally agree on Casey’s comment on the sweeping statement – dangerous. Agree on the racism vs cover art – even more dangerous. But hooray for the win on getting the publisher to correct the Liar.
Inaccuracy in covers annoys me in general but to misrepresent a book in the such a blatant act of racism by publisher is not only sheer stupidity but it is an injustice to the story, the author and the public.
I’m done now.
mph,
There is only one very important thing I disagree with you on. I am CaseE not CaseY. 😉
Interesting post, Casee. I did a post today about covers as well, but it was more about homogenizing covers in a particular genre rather than this controversy.
Having been black, it’s hard for me to make a judgement on that particular controversy. I just don’t know that I want the book blogs I read for entertainment to pull me into something that isn’t so entertaining.
We all know that cover art depicts the H/H looking like they’re described in the book (HATE that!), but I do agree that getting the race right would be a good start!
Duh. Proofreading time. I meant Having NEVER been black.
Help!!!!!
This is the first I am hearing about this. I took 10 seconds to look around.
I went to Bloomsbury to see what they have to say about it.
They say,
“Bloomsbury is ceasing to supply copies of the US edition of Magic Under Glass. The jacket design has caused offense and we apologize for our mistake. Copies of the book with a new jacket design will be available shortly.”
That’s good. You would think they had learned their lesson the first time, though.
I also just went to see if author has anything to say. I don’t like what she is (isn’t!) saying. She wont give an opinion, and says she puts all her feelings in her books, so if we want to know how she feels, then to read her book.
For some reason that bothers me. A lot.