Cloud Atlas

I don't want to spoil the surprise, but I wish to indirectly respond to some "reviews" telling you "not to believe the hype".I find it hard to talk about "hype" in relation to a work of literary art that appeals to a minority of intellectuals. Hype more aptly describes generic content that masses are prescribed to mindlessly gobble up to check a box and label themselves "readers" on Youtube.If you are growing weary of inarticulate "Booktubers" recommending books they haven't read because other inarticulate "Booktubers" have recommended those same books which, incidentally, tend to be formulaic and capitalize on the intellectual laziness of masses, then this might appeal to you.If you are growing weary of handholding and tired old predictable formulae and cliches and your creative brain is tickled by clever literary devices, then this might appeal to you.If you are imaginative, creative, articulate, educated, and well-read, I can't imagine that this will not hold a special place in your heart after a first read-through, to say nothing of your second and third read-throughs.This native English speaker has a remarkable command of the French language, even by native French standards (some characters speak French on occasion), and after getting through just the second of multiple interconnected narratives, I could not resist a peek at the author's biography at the back of the book. I was not at all surprised to learn that he has translated two books from Japanese to English as well, not to mention he has lived in Japan. In addition to his command of multiple languages, David Mitchell has also created his own variant of English, which other characters in the novel speak in the future. It's very well done and just one of many linguistic feats he accomplishes in this masterpiece.Of course, speaking multiple languages and being well-travelled (and I'm sure, well-read) is no guarantee that one can write artfully and compellingly, but it definitely opens one's mind (and I can confirm that write compelling, this author does, and how).I submit that if you are creative, imaginative, and/or yearn for original literary devices, then this book will open your own mind to the endless possibilities offered by the written word!Without wanting to disparage, I suspect that some people are triggered by works that exceed their vocabulary and literary horizons. It can be threatening when another's intellect far exceeds one's own, such is human nature.When assessing whether this book might be for you based on Goodreads review (incidentally, this "platform" may or may not be the best resource for reading recommendations), consider the reviews and the other books they liked or disliked, which is usually quite telling.

Surely a remarkable writing endeavour - albeit too baroque at times…… unfinished, unfortunately.What’s an intriguing, elusive build up of a complex plot, deflate disappointingly in the last couple of pages, with the author just giving his vision for a better world.This book delivers on many levels…… the ending is not there.

Brings the magic of reincarnation to life in a great world changing story.

I was hooked with David's: The Bone Clocks and thus decided to buy this one, and all I have to say is that it is highly worth it.

A história é maravilhosa, mas a qualidade do livro físico é bem ruim. O papel das páginas e a capa são finíssimos e "moles", apenas estejam cientes disso.