1Q84 by Haruki Murakami is a dystopian science fiction novel in which reality has fragmented or splintered in very small and subtle ways. I found Murakami’s writing style quite ethereal and ambiguous leaving you hunting for answers and explanations leading to the readers own personal interpretations. Though the themes of violence, cruelty, murder and abuse are central they are removed and almost dreamlike. The interpretation of memory and also its unreliability is a central theme, details and recollections of characters are layered to reveal new insights and propel the narrative.

Overall I found 1Q84 beautifully written, it is vivid and detailed while also enigmatic and ambiguous. 1Q84 needs to be treated completely differently from contemporary dystopian fiction, it is a mystery, a love story and a reflection on history and memories. I believe an approach to a cover redesign should above all else evoke a feel that is timeless and ethereal. Flowers and butterflies are recurring motifs which were used to create butterfly wing flowers. Don’t let appearances fool you. There’s always only one reality.