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Mostly this is because of Murakamis writing at once liminal and mundane, riddled with symbols and mystery.
And partly its because of the art of Chip Kidd.
Designing for Murakami presents unique challenges.
As Sam Anderson pointed out in a 2011New York Times Magazineprofile, Murakamis stories are not only translated butabouttranslation.
Kidds designs add yet another layer of translation.
In typical Murakami fashion, the painting seems to possess strangely mystical properties.
This was the first time in their 25 year partnership that Murakami requested a revision.
It turned out, he was right, Kidd said.
It was too lurid, he explained.
It wasnt special enough.
Theres also a perversity to it, he added.
Youre pulling somebodys eye, which feels really strange.
Since the moon featured prominently inKilling Commendatoreas well, this time, he decided to use it.
Theres an accretion of ideas and feelings and emotions that well up only gradually as youre reading it.
At the end ofKafka on the Shore, I was crying and I couldnt say why.
I found it extremely emotionally satisfying.
