The Plum Queen

A spellbinding debut about a widow who is finally ready to reveal a past she's never spoken of—the story of the three great loves who shaped her life

It’s 1984 and Lenore has just buried her husband. In the long summer days of her grief, she receives an unexpected letter from a woman named Phoebe. As girls, Phoebe and Lenore were best friends, raised by their mothers amid the California orchards. Decades of estrangement followed—and could end now, if Lenore can only bring herself to read the letter.

Spurred to look backward, Lenore revisits the memories of her life’s three great loves: First, she must admit to herself, Phoebe. Then Greta, a brash and bohemian New York painter. And finally Howard, a classicist who shared Lenore’s passion for voices of the past, and who went on to a successful academic career with Lenore’s quiet support over years of marriage. Each relationship has its own unique pleasures, risks, sacrifices.

Moving across the turbulent twentieth century, from the rugged landscapes of northern California to bustling postwar Manhattan, this heartrending and immersive debut explores the complex ties of family, friendship, and romance. The Plum Queen is about confronting the many versions of ourselves that accumulate over a lifetime—the person we once were, the person we could have been, and the person we still might become.

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