Cloud Cuckoo Land

by Anthony Doerr
Cloud Cuckoo Land cover
Good Books rating 3.17
Historical Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 1573
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2025-10-08
  • ISBN: 9781982189679
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2021-09-28
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99

Cloud Cuckoo Land weaves together the lives of four outcasts from different eras, from 15th-century Constantinople to a distant future, as they navigate peril and discover the power of hope. This epic narrative explores themes of resilience, the enduring nature of storytelling, and the connections that bind us across time. /n/nThe novel is a testament to the human spirit, blending historical fiction with speculative elements to create a rich, multi-layered story. It's a celebration of the written word and the dreams that sustain us, even in the darkest of times.

Reviews
Kara Reviews · Kara Babcock · 2022-12-26
disappointing 1.00

The reviewer finds the book messy and boring, criticizing its structure and execution. They do not recommend it despite recognizing some potential value in the story.

This review is quite critical of the book, describing it as messy and boring. The reviewer feels that the structure and execution fall short, making it a disappointing read. While they acknowledge that there might be some value in the story, they ultimately find it unengaging and not worth the time. The reviewer's disappointment is clear, and they advise potential readers to approach the book with caution.

Quick quotes

    For this alone, I would not recommend Cloud Cuckoo Land.

    Beyond that, however, this is just a messy and boring book.

    I can see the value that some readers might find in it, but it didn't work for me.

The Guardian · 2021-09-24
joyous 4.50

The novel is described as large-hearted and joyous, showcasing Doerr's skill in creating an epic that spans time and explores themes of love and survival. The reviewer appreciates the book's scope and emotional depth.

This book feels like a magnum opus from a seasoned writer, full of heart and spanning a wide scope. The reviewer highlights its joyous tone and the way it weaves together different timelines and characters. The novel is seen as a celebration of storytelling and human connection, making it a profound and uplifting read. The reviewer particularly enjoys the way Doerr handles complex themes with a light touch, creating a story that is both ambitious and accessible.

Quick quotes

    There is a kind of book a seasoned writer produces after a big success: large-hearted, wide in scope and joyous.

    An epic of love and survival that spans centuries and continents.

    Doerr's prose is luminous, his characters deeply felt.

Books Are My Third Place · 2021-09-24
thought-provoking 4.00

The book is praised for its character-driven narrative and philosophical depth, though it is noted for its heartbreaking moments. The reviewer appreciates the exploration of philosophical questions and the emotional impact of the story.

This review emphasizes the book's focus on character and emotion over plot. The reviewer finds the philosophical questions raised by the story to be compelling and thought-provoking. While the book is heartbreaking at times, it is also seen as a powerful exploration of the human condition. The reviewer appreciates Doerr's ability to tackle complex themes with sensitivity and depth, making it a memorable and impactful read.

Quick quotes

    It's vibes, not plot. It's character driven, and heartbreaking.

    Doerr doesn't pull any punches.

    It brings to life many philosophical quandaries.

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