Jhumpa Lahiri, in her book "The Clothing of Books," explores the concept of book covers as a form of translation. She believes that a cover interprets the essence of a book in a visual language, translating the text into images. While the cover should reflect the book’s themes, it cannot adhere strictly to the content; it must offer a unique perspective that stands apart from the book itself. This nuanced approach implies that a cover can either faithfully represent the narrative or diverge from it, similar to how translations can vary in fidelity.

Lahiri emphasizes that cover art should enhance the reader's understanding of a book, akin to the role of a good translation. However, this relationship can sometimes falter, leading to covers that misrepresent the underlying story. Thus, she contemplates whether a cover fulfills its purpose effectively, as it should ideally serve the work it envelops rather than overshadow it. In this way, the cover evolves into an interpretation that, while separate from the text, plays a crucial role in shaping a reader's initial impression.