A Flag of No Nation
BOOK DESIGN
A book of poetry by Tom Haviv and published by Jewish Currents Press, A Flag of No Nation weaves together the complex narratives of Turkish Jewish communities during the twentieth century. Haviv delves into the archives of Israel/Palestine, his family saga, and nationalist mythologies, seeking frameworks for future peace and justice. Given the deeply personal nature of the story, the design was developed in close collaboration with the author to create a form that mirrors the text’s exploration of memory and myth. It’s artistic, contemplative, and expansive.
Generous white space creates breathing room for reflection, while unconventionally offset text blocks echo the work’s themes of displacement and searching. The ebb and flow between quiet and bold typography create a tension that mirrors the text’s navigation between personal memory and historical record. The rhythm of these visual choices work in tandem with Haviv’s meditation on nationalism and belonging, creating a tangible exploration — a new family artifact — of identity, where past, present, and future continuously converge.
