Torment turns five in 2023, a huge milestone for a tiny book that has been changing worlds for quite some time now. Since 2019, Torment can be found in over 300 schools and independent libraries throughout the U.S. and the U.K.
This original purpose of the novella was to craft a story for youth of the world that could help them understand grief, mental conditions, and the intersections of poverty and race. Torment was met with critical acclaim as an independently published book in 2019; thus began its true life in the hands of readers.
To celebrate the fifth anniversary of this cherished story, H.D. Hunter and The Southern District Publishing Company have produced a Special Edition of Torment: A Novella. This version features a new introduction and acknowledgements, and most importantly, a redesigned cover featuring art from Sage Kos (they/them), the winner of the Torment: A Novella 5th Anniversary Special Edition Cover Art Design Contest, which was exclusive to students at Niskayuna High School. Niskayuna was the first high school in the nation to certify Torment as a part of its curriculum for all ninth grade students.
Hugh and Sage are proud to bring you this edition. Thank all of you, for everything. Never stop following the orange butterflies. And remember, we are all mosaics.
ABOUT THE ARTIST:
SAGE KOS
In 2023, Sage Kos (they/them) is a student at Niskayuna High School. They enjoy creating art in a variety of media including drawing, painting, and computer animation. In their free time Sage can be found rock climbing, reading, playing ultimate frisbee, and stargazing.
ABOUT THE ART
The idea of being broken, yet carrying on in the world is one central theme in the book. The main character's sister tells him "you are a mosaic." Although he feels different and inferior to his peers, his sister can still see his beauty. You don't need to be perfect to do great things, and the beauty that can still be found despite fractures is shown by the cut-up pieces.
The monarch butterfly background is subtle, but it represents that memory of the narrator in the field with the butterflies — an important memory that acts as a backdrop for his life. As he blows the flower, it shows his innocence as a child, and him being unaware about how different he was [from his peers and family] until later on in the book.