Book ReviewCloud Atlas
David Mitchell
To say that David Mitchell is a gifted writer would probably be an understatement. I probably had said that in my review of Ghostwritten (the first book that I've read which was written by him), and I don't mind saying that again here. After reading Cloud Atlas, I must say that I was very impressed. His writing styles are now more distinct and unique from one story to another, and he explores each story and its main character deeper compared than in Ghostwritten. His talent of writing in different story-telling styles truly shines in this book. That's probably because there are less stories here compared in Ghostwritten.
Before I get ahead of myself, I should explain how the book is like in general. Cloud Atlas is just like Ghostwritten in that it's like a collection of short stories with their main characters interconnected to one another across stories in various ways. However, unlike Ghostwritten, whose characters are interconnected in small, sometimes insignificant ways, Cloud Atlas' many main characters are interconnected across stories in more personal ways. These stories are broken off half way, each to be concluded at the second half of the book. In short, it's like reading stories within stories.
It may sound gimmicky, but Mitchell managed to quite pull it off. And unlike Ghostwritten, where one story to another can almost be read independently from one another, Cloud Atlas could not be treated that way as one story's connection to the other is stronger compared to those in Ghostwritten. And what intriguing and entertaining stories they are! The main characters are told in rich details, and the stories are told in different genres from one to another.
All in all, Mitchell delivers another interesting and entertaining book. And those who appreciate talents will appreciate this book due to Mitchell's capability in writing in many different styles/genres.
