The point of an illustrated book is...

Spanish Illustrated Edition.

Tony Takitani by Haruki Murakami, illustrations by Ignasi Font. 

What a total disappointment.

This is one belongs to a series of illustrated books of Murakami´s short stories, the previous ones were illustrated by Kat Menschik and are pure bliss, Menschik has a beautiful style that goes hand in hand with Murakami´s narration. So, I was very hyped to get the newest one without any doubt, although I noticed the cover was completely different in style to Menschik, but assumed it will be of the same quality, so it came as a complete surprise when I began to read it. Great story by Murakami, but as an illustrated book is very poor, I think there are only two memorable illustrations in the book (book cover included).

Is it me?

I have to say, I respect the work and dedication of themed illustrations, they are the result of a long path of learning and working, but these illustrations seemed to me more akin to a standard stock image than to an illustrated book. Maybe it is a very slick modern thing that I don’t get, but I ended regretting buying the book. Moreover, Tony Takitani is included in Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman, so it was pointless for me… Such a waste of a hardback edition.