cloud_hidden 's review for:

Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell

3.0

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Yet another book who's reputation brought me to its pages but left me questioning how in the world it managed to earn its reputation in the first place. This book is basically a collection of 6 short stories nested together in a shockingly superficial and unnecessary framing. I found only one of the stories to be even marginally interesting (but sadly half-baked), two that were extremely boring, two that were saved from the same fate only by merit of the humorous personalities of their protagonists, and one so frustrating I honestly had to force myself not to abandon the book altogether. If any of these stories were published as standalones, none would have any notoriety; together they're just a flower arrangement of forgettable mediocrity. I would give this book 2 stars, but I think that might be somewhat unfair considering the capability of the author and the book's moments of whit (early on, luckily) and thematic clarity (way too late, sadly). Ultimately, the book is a clever idea that never even comes close to its actual potential.