A review by jodunn_
Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell

5.0

This novel is basically a representation of all the different writing styles that David Mitchell can easily master. This is my first Mitchell book, but I quickly started to enjoy it, after realizing the connective nature of the seemingly disconnected storylines running through the novel. Each story would be not very interesting independently, but Mitchell masterfully connects them in a way to convey the idea that decisions made throughout time create effects in the distant future, and that the world is inherently evil if people don't make a stand and make a change. Each storyline has the theme of characters being trapped in an oppressive organization, whether a government or a corporation or a retirement home. Each main character took a stand against some sort of oppression, and sometimes failed and sometimes succeeded, but the point is that they attempted to make a change. I really enjoyed this novel, and can't wait to read more from Mitchell.