Cloud Cuckoo Land

by Anthony Doerr
Cloud Cuckoo Land cover
Good Books rating 3.0
Literary Fiction
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Paperback • £10.99
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Technical
  • ID: 1573
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9781982189679
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2021-09-28
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 4

This book weaves together the stories of four young outcasts and dreamers, spanning from 1453 Constantinople to a distant future. Each character, though separated by time and space, finds themselves on a journey of self-discovery and resilience in the face of overwhelming challenges. Their stories, interconnected by themes of hope and resourcefulness, create a tapestry of human endurance. From the bustling streets of Constantinople to the unknown reaches of the future, the novel explores the universal human spirit that binds us all. Through its richly imagined worlds and deeply drawn characters, the book offers a powerful exploration of what it means to find hope in the darkest of times.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2025-10-20
impressive 3.50

The book is ambitious and complex, more so than Doerr's previous works. It is engaging and thoughtfully written, though some may find it overwhelming.

This reviewer finds Cloud Cuckoo Land to be a more ambitious and complex work compared to Doerr's other books. They appreciate the thoughtfulness and engagement in the writing, noting that the book's length and depth make it a significant undertaking. While they find the book impressive, they acknowledge that its complexity might be overwhelming for some readers. The reviewer highlights the expert craftsmanship in every sentence, making it a rewarding read despite its challenges.

Quick quotes

    Cloud Cuckoo Land is more ambitious and complex than All the Light We Cannot See.

    At 637 pages, Cloud Cuckoo Land is engaging, thoughtfully written, easily read, and yet ambitious.

Shelf Reflection · 2025-10-20
mixed 3.00

The dark tones of the characters' stories overshadow the joy and humor in the Cloud Cuckoo Land excerpts. The book is ambitious but struggles to balance its emotional weight.

The reviewer notes that the dark and heavy themes of the characters' stories make it difficult to appreciate the lighter, joyful aspects of Cloud Cuckoo Land. They acknowledge the book's ambition but feel that the overall tone is too somber, making it challenging to fully enjoy the fantastical elements. The reviewer appreciates the effort but finds the balance between darkness and levity to be uneven.

Quick quotes

    Since the tones of the characters' stories were dark, it was hard to feel the joy or humor coming across through the Cloud Cuckoo Land excerpts.

    It was ambitious but struggled to balance its emotional weight.

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.

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