The More I Owe You

The author of the acclaimed memoir Mother and Son creates an intimate portrait of poet Elizabeth Bishop in this “sensitive and engrossing” debut novel (Publishers Weekly).

“A portrait of the artist as a human—a woman of desire, contradiction, and need.” —A. M. Homes, author of The Mistress’s Daughter Artfully drawing from Elizabeth Bishop’s lifelong correspondences and biography, The More I Owe You explores the modernist poet’s intensely private world, including her life in Brazil and her relationship with her lover, the dazzling, aristocratic Lota de Macedo Soares.

Despite their seemingly idyllic existence in Soares’s glass house in the jungle, Bishop’s lifelong battle with alcoholism rises to the surface. And as the sensuous landscape of Rio de Janeiro, the rhythms of the samba and the bossa nova, and the political turmoil of 1950’s Brazil envelop Bishop, she enters a world she never expected to inhabit . . . A vivid imagining of the tumultuous relationship between two brilliant and artistic women, The More I Owe You reveals Elizabeth Bishop to be a literary genius who lived in conflict with herself, both as a writer and as a woman.

“Real–life poet Elizabeth Bishop is vividly and imaginatively portrayed in Sledge’s debut novel. . . . Strong and intoxicating.” —Booklist

“A gorgeous meditation on enduring love, damage, and what it can be to be happy, for however brief a moment. Bravo, bravo, bravo.” —Stacey D’Erasmo, author of The Sky Below

“A beautiful dream of a book. Sumptuously detailed, deeply felt, it is as if Sledge slipped back in time and walked every step with Elizabeth Bishop, breathed every breath with her.” —Alison Smith, author of Name All the Animals

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs