The Book Design of ‘A Blow to the Head,' a Poetic Memoir

Abstract

Edmonton’s eighth poet laureate Nisha Patel weaves a deeply personal and introspective retelling of her history of chronic illness, disability, and more in her poetic memoir ‘A Blow to the Head.’ She elaborates on her firsthand experiences with the Canadian medical and educational systems through profound and beautiful writing. The front cover features an illustration depicting the author who is injured and in the process of being pixelated ⎼ a metaphor for mental and physical disability, concussions, and trauma. The visual approach reflects the complex experiences and struggles the author has gone through, and how her illnesses continue to affect her to this day.  

The book is separated into Parts, which feature a variety of different poems and prose that relate to the themes of the chapters. These poems are of varying lengths and complexity, requiring a high attention to detail to showcase the writing while also creating a system to maintain cohesion. The typesetting for each poem reflects the poem itself, allowing the reader space to read the poems in an impactful and meaningful manner. The carefully considered typeface selections in the memoir reflect the intimate writing through the delicate and elegant typefaces.

Faculty Mentor: Constanza Pacher