#1553
Mentioned in 11 episodes
Cloud Atlas
Book • 2004
Cloud Atlas is a polyphonic compendium of interlacing but nonlinear parables.
The book consists of six nested stories, each read or observed by the protagonist of the next, progressing in time through the central sixth story.
The narratives range from the journal of a 19th-century American notary to the post-apocalyptic memoir of a herdsman, Zachry.
Each story breaches time and space, linking through various characters and events.
The novel combines elements of metafiction, historical fiction, contemporary fiction, and science fiction, showcasing Mitchell's dynamic use of language and literary styles.
The book explores fundamental questions of reality, identity, and the universal themes of human predation and redemption.
The book consists of six nested stories, each read or observed by the protagonist of the next, progressing in time through the central sixth story.
The narratives range from the journal of a 19th-century American notary to the post-apocalyptic memoir of a herdsman, Zachry.
Each story breaches time and space, linking through various characters and events.
The novel combines elements of metafiction, historical fiction, contemporary fiction, and science fiction, showcasing Mitchell's dynamic use of language and literary styles.
The book explores fundamental questions of reality, identity, and the universal themes of human predation and redemption.
Mentioned by
Mentioned in 11 episodes
Mentioned by Jim O'Shaughnessy in a discussion about overlapping stories and time periods.
66 snips
Alex Danco — On Strollers, Slop & Citizen Kane (EP.263)
Mentioned by 
Max Lugavere , who quoted a line from it about being a single drop in an endless ocean.
Max Lugavere , who quoted a line from it about being a single drop in an endless ocean.
62 snips
178. Max Lugavere: First Alzheimer’s Creatine Trial Shows Shocking Results!
Mentioned as an example of a story with more than two timelines.
14 snips
#184. 3 Must-Know Tips For Writing A Novel With Dual Timelines
Mentioned by Brea Grant as a book that has been on her TBR for over 11 years, highlighting its complexity and the time commitment required to read it.
Ep 384 - How Long Should You Keep a Book on Your TBR?
Mentioned by 
Mark Mullinax , referencing David Mitchell's novel Cloud Atlas and its depiction of invisible forces.
Mark Mullinax , referencing David Mitchell's novel Cloud Atlas and its depiction of invisible forces.
Verse 41: Lao Tzu's Smile
Mentioned by Damian Maher in the episode description as a writer whose work is analyzed in the book.
Bruce Robbins, "Atrocity: A Literary History" (Stanford UP, 2025)
