They say not to judge a book by its cover, but that really is the first thing you judge it by. Just as we make first impressions based on someone’s appearance — their features, fashion, and hygiene — we make a first impression with a book.
Similarly to when someone you know changes their style drastically, it can be quite jarring when we see a reprint of a book we love, now with a wholly different cover than before. Sometimes they’re better, sometimes worse.
What I particularly love about book covers is consistency (as you’ll notice here), but I am also a very big fan of abstract, absurdist, or simply interesting designs. Something modern that makes you ask just what the hell is this book about.
The Wall by Marlen Haushofer
In the world of web browsing and web design, white space is important, but I also think it is important for art, too.
The painting-like style of this cover, alongside the white border that adds depth, creates a satisfying and abstract image. I find it calming.
Writers & Lovers by Lily King
Abstract, but easily the most dark and flat of the list. It gives off a sense of feeling disorganised, or perhaps undergoing change, which seems to fit the novel.
Compared to other prints of the novel, this art is easily the most captivating.
People From My Neighbourhood by Hiromi Kawakami
The cover was half the reason I picked this work up, but its play set style matches the ludicrous and insane contents inside.
Overall, this cover is satisfying, refreshingly different, and contains a charming sense of wonder within it.
The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan
I’ve had a copy of this book sitting around for quite a while, albeit with a different cover. Nonetheless, it intrigues me.
I love how liminal and empty this one is. It really sells the sense that something is missing or disturbed in some way.
Tokyo Express by Seichō Matsumoto
The irony is that this design (originally a 1950s Japanese railway poster) is not modern, but is still very appealing.
The colourful nature of it reflects the wit within the novel, and motion blur nicely represents the fast-paced story within. A good and vibrant choice to catch the eye.
Take What You Need by Idra Novey
Less abstract and more lonesome, but still empty and unnatural to us (despite how lovely and sunny it is).
The warmness of this design bathe it in contrast to many other covers, which often lean to cooler or more neon colours.
Lazy City by Rachel Connolly
On the topic of warm, here’s a way of using temperature and patterns to convey a sense of sleaziness and lust.
Whilst I have yet to acquire this book, its effective and textured art always makes me stop to admire it on my ‘to read’ list. I really hope the contents inside match it.
Of course, there are thousands of novels out there with abstract or slightly odd pieces of art on them. This is just a showcase of some of the ones I have come across, so I’d be more than happy to hear your suggestions and recommendations in the comments below!
As shallow as it may seem, most of these books only remain on my radar (read or yet to be read), because they have successfully enticed me with a satisfying and interesting illustration on the front.
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