Cloud Atlas

by David Mitchell
Cloud Atlas cover
Good Books rating 4.31
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
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  • ID: 601
  • Added: 2025-09-18
  • Updated: 2025-09-20
  • ISBN: 9781844568819
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2008-09-04
  • Formats: 25
  • Reviews: 4

Cloud Atlas is a literary masterpiece that defies conventional storytelling, blending genres and eras to create a tapestry of human experience. The novel follows six distinct narratives that span from the 19th century to a distant, post-apocalyptic future, each interconnected in ways that challenge the boundaries of time and genre. Through these stories, David Mitchell delves into themes of power, identity, and the enduring human spirit, offering a vision that is both enthralling and thought-provoking. /n/n Praised for its ambitious scope and inventive prose, Cloud Atlas has garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards, solidifying Mitchell's reputation as a visionary writer. The novel's intricate structure and richly drawn characters make it a captivating exploration of what it means to be human, across all ages and circumstances.

Reviews
Dini Panda Reads · 2022-12-17
thought-provoking 4.00

The book is humorous and entertaining while tackling heavy topics like slavery, exploitation, and social injustices, making it both engaging and thought-provoking.

The reviewer from Dini Panda Reads found Cloud Atlas to be a humorous and entertaining read that doesn't shy away from heavy topics like slavery, exploitation, and social injustices. They appreciate the book's ability to balance entertainment with profound themes, making it both engaging and thought-provoking. The reviewer highlights the novel's depth and its ability to tackle complex issues in a compelling manner.

Quick quotes

    This book was humorous and entertaining but also tackles heavy topics like slavery, exploitation, social injustices, poverty and inequality.

    Cloud Atlas is a remarkable and enthralling novel that transcends boundaries of time, genre and language.

    The positive thing I can say about 'Cloud Atlas' is that it is an imaginative, ambitious, sprawling tapestry of a novel.

Sunny Days with Juliette · 2020-08-13
enthralling 4.75

The novel is praised for its remarkable and enthralling narrative that transcends boundaries of time, genre, and language.

The reviewer finds 'Cloud Atlas' to be a remarkable and enthralling novel that successfully transcends boundaries of time, genre, and language. They appreciate the ambitious scope and the intricate storytelling that weaves together diverse narratives. The reviewer highlights how the book's exploration of different eras and perspectives adds richness and depth to the reading experience. The interconnected stories are seen as a testament to Mitchell's skill in creating a cohesive and captivating work that resonates across different contexts.

Quick quotes

    David Mitchell Cloud Atlas is a remarkable and enthralling novel.

    It transcends boundaries of time, genre and language.

    The interconnected stories are a testament to Mitchell's skill.

GatesNotes · 2020-05-18
touching 4.50

The book is described as a touching and clever novel about moral choices, highlighting its emotional depth and intellectual stimulation.

The reviewer describes 'Cloud Atlas' as a touching and clever novel that delves deeply into moral choices. They appreciate the emotional depth and intellectual stimulation the book provides, making it a profound and engaging read. The reviewer finds the novel's exploration of morality to be particularly compelling, as it challenges readers to think about their own ethical dilemmas. The interconnected stories and themes of the book are praised for their emotional resonance and thought-provoking nature.

Quick quotes

    Cloud Atlas is a wonderful book that is hard to describe.

    It is a touching and clever novel about moral choices.

    The interconnected stories and themes are emotionally resonant.

The Guardian · 2010-06-11
delightful 4.00

The reviewer loved the fun cliffhangers and the metafictional elements, despite some readers finding them gimmicky.

The reviewer found 'Cloud Atlas' to be a delightful read with its clever use of cliffhangers and metafictional elements. They particularly enjoyed how the book defies conventional storytelling, even if some readers might find these techniques gimmicky. The reviewer appreciates the boldness and creativity in Mitchell's approach, making the reading experience both engaging and thought-provoking. They highlight how the book's structure and narrative techniques add depth and intrigue, making it a standout work.

Quick quotes

    Some readers found David Mitchell's Booker-nominated metafictional fooling to be gimmicky, but I loved the fun cliffhangers.

    Cloud Atlas is a delightful read.

    Mitchell's approach is bold and creative.

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