Book Cover

My immediate reaction to looking at the four possible book covers is that the second one should be the true cover. It illustrates a picture that can construct endless possibilities in the onlookers mind. At first glance, a maniacally devilish face stares right back. After further investigation, a little boy is shown trapped in a prison of some sorts, perhaps his own mind? The play on the images, of the cover, give the reader a chance to ponder many of the big questions of the story; such as what is truly going on with Ben, how terrible it must be in his situation, his relationship with his family, etc. The other covers are intriguing and can bring attention to the novel but I believe none can compare to the second cover and the justice it pays to Doris Lessing and her message.