Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell

[sophie_1003]

Has anyone read the above book? If so, in the 'Slooshas crossin...' chapter
-who do you think the Prescients were? Are they the same as the fabricants?
-can you make out any reason why the devil character is called Old Georgie?
Also, in the 'Orison of Sonmi-451' chapter (and possibly mentioned in the Slooshas crossin part)
-are pure-bloods and consumers just normal humans?
Thanks in advance

[AB Editor]

Hi Sophie,

"pure bloods" and "consumers" are most likely "normal humans"

I don't think Old Georgie is explained explicitly (although it has been years since I read this!)

As for the first question: best not say!

The book has a structure which takes you to the post-apocalyptic centre and then brings you all the way back out all the way to Adam Ewing; it finishes each part as it goes. It does give you a lot of answers in this fashion (obviously, as every section ends on a cliff-hanger up until this point!)

Mitchell has said of the book: "All of the [leading] characters except one are reincarnations of the same soul ... identified by a birthmark. ... The "cloud" refers to the ever-changing manifestations of the "atlas", which is the fixed human nature. ... The book's theme is predacity ... individuals prey on individuals, groups on groups, nations on nations."

In essence, what I am saying is: your questions will be answered best by the text!

Have you ever read Number-9 dream by David Mitchell?

All the best

Spare Ed

[sophie_1003]

But I've finished it and I'm still not sure! No, this is the first one of his I've read, is that one similar?

[AB Editor]

It has a similar "modular" structure, i.e. each section is themed.

Number9 Dream is about a young man in Japan who is looking for his estranged father - which makes it sound almost dull; but the story is told through a almost psychedelic/Kaleidoscopic series of inter-linked flights of fancy. It is truly wonderful.

I will pick up the book this evening an try and answer your original questions Sophie!

Spare Ed

[sophie_1003]

Might give it a try, didn't think I was going to get into Cloud Atlas at first but ended up really enjoying it! Thanks v much btw!