66 pages • 2 hours read
David C. MitchellCloud Atlas
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2004A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Cloud Atlas by David C. Mitchell is a 2004 novel composed of six interconnected stories in a nested structure, spanning from the 19th century to a distant post-apocalyptic future. The protagonists react to events from previous stories, and the chapters reverse order after the midpoint. Events involve themes of exploitation, rebellion, and the enduring impact of human actions across time. The novel depicts slavery and discusses racism, death by suicide, and sexual abuse.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
David C. Mitchell's Cloud Atlas is lauded for its ambitious structure, interweaving multiple genres and narratives that span different eras. Critics appreciate its thematic depth and innovation, though some find its complexity challenging and the transitions between stories jarring. Overall, it is hailed as a daring literary piece that rewards persistent readers.
Who Should Read Cloud Atlas?
Fans of ambitious, multi-layered narratives and interwoven storylines will find Cloud Atlas by David C. Mitchell captivating. It appeals to readers who enjoyed the intricate plots of The Bone Clocks by Mitchell and the philosophical depth of Life After Life by Kate Atkinson. This novel is ideal for those intrigued by historical, dystopian, and post-apocalyptic settings.