This book has been overwritten with elaborate and unnecessary language usage. A car being “mantled” by snow is just overwriting. The time shifts are hard to follow. Not nearly as good as I expected.

When I first came across this book, I was both intimidated and intrigued by it. Intrigued because it sounded like a mix of many things I enjoy and relate to; intimidated because it was by Anthony Doerr and having read ‘All the Light We Cannot See’ I expected a book that would make me think.

But what really made me pick up the book was the message of hope it aimed to impart. In Doerr’s own words,

“The world we’re handing our kids brims with challenges: climate instability, pandemics, disinformation. I wanted this novel to reflect those anxieties, but also offer meaningful hope, so I tried to create a tapestry of times and places that reflects our interconnectedness—with other species, with each other, with the ones who lived before us, and the ones who will be here after we’re gone.”

With all that’s happening in the world today, big things that affect everyone and smaller things that affect me, I took up this book to give me a nudge to continue believing.

Doerr didn’t disappoint.

My primary motivation in saying this, is because he didn’t shy away from all that is wrong and terrible in trying to send his message of hope. He offered hope in spite of it, in the face of all that seems to seems beyond the control of ordinary individuals.

Omeir, Zeno, Konstance, Anna and Seymour were all regular people–not particularly talented, blessed by circumstance or destined for an extraordinary fate–but through their perspectives, across time, you come to discover something bigger than the individual. After all, they didn’t define the future or save everyone, they just lived their lives as best as they could at the time and Doerr shows us how the echoes of their actions intertwined with one another in a story that is simultaneously mundane and remarkable.

As with ‘All the light we cannot see’ I was not particularly invested in any of the characters, we don’t spend very long with anyone at a time, and it becomes difficult to relate fully to any of the characters. But that didn’t prevent me from being able to identify with their stories.

While there was always something that drew me in as part of each character’s story, I related most to Seymour’s battle.

I identified with Seymour’s growing concern and cynicism over the fate of the natural environment. At some level I understood the appeal of resorting to extreme actions because it seemed there was no other way to make your voice matter, and I of course identified with reconciling yourself to do what you can, small and insignificant as the steps may seem, to push aside cynicism in favor of both a world and a people worth saving. This was important to me because I’ve had days when the news filters in and you can’t help but wonder whether humans are really worth saving, if the Earth might not be better without us and our presumptions. It’s easy to lose hope in moments like these and Seymour’s arc did a great job of reflecting the consequences, and of showing a way back.

Another portion of the book I thoroughly enjoyed was the relationship between Omeir, Tree and Moonlight. There is something so incredibly pure about that relationship, and it isn’t one seen often in the western world where that bond is usually limited to canines or felines. I felt that bond because I’ve heard stories of my great grandmother and her beloved cow, of the love they shared, of the heartbreak they both experienced when unfortunate circumstances forced her to sell the cow. It is especially pertinent in today’s world to acknowledge these relationships, to realize the similarities between the animal kingdom and humans, when there are so many pressing human issues and it’s so easy to forget that the Earth is not owed to us.

I enjoyed reading ‘Cloud Cuckoo Land’ and in many ways found comfort in it. Unlike my usual tendency to sink into a book and finish it all at once, I read ‘Cloud Cuckoo Land’ in slow dips in and out of the many worlds it held and perhaps inevitably I found understanding in it, set against the backdrop of our fighting world and my own ordinary life with its ups and downs.

I would recommend the book to everyone. Not because the story was gripping or because the characters were lovely, but because it’s a story and a message we all need a reminder of–“The world as it is is enough”, with all the dark and the light. That doesn’t mean we give up and become passive viewers in the show of life, it just means that we try and we hope, we gain and lose, laugh and learn and cry and live. And that, is enough.

(Also the ending is really neat, everything comes together just so. Loved the ending.)

An amazing story that transpires across time and space with the uniting thread of story and words. In 16th century Constantinople, a precocious Young girl named Anna tries to make enough money to provide healing for her sister, who was injured when the owner of the embroidery factory drags her across the floor and slams her head into the cement. Anna loves words and stories and in collaboration with a local boy, she climbs into an old, abandoned monastery to search for items to be sold. Omeir is a gentle herdsman who is conscripted into the Sultan's Amy to care for the oxen that Omeir raised.
Zeno, an orphan, lives in a small town where he is gradually accepted as he interacts with the children in the library. Seymour is a devastated teen who becomes a misguided environmentalist, seeking revenge on the real estate developers who destroyed the land where his beloved owl, Trustyfriend, lived.
Konstance lives on the future in an experimental aircraft seeking a new planet after earth is destroyed. She, too, finds consolation from loneliness and isolation in the ship's library.
These lives intertwine in the most amazing way.
Doerr has crafted a masterpiece weaving together these stories. He encourages the reader of the power of words and story and the role of libraries in all civilizations and time periods.
As a librarian I was so appreciative of his comments on the benefits of libraries and the need for stories, especially the ancient texts.
Recommended for anyone who believes in the strength of the human spirit. A wonderful interweaving of story across time and place.

I was lucky to receive an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review and opinions. WOW just WOW! This book is AMAZING! I know after reading this that it will be talked about for years to come. I highly recommend you read this as soon as you can!

A story about an lost Greek myth, told from viewpoints of the past, present, and future. Cloud Cuckoo Land is a sad and lonely story, capturing the essence of humanity through themes of trying to do better while still creating unintentional negative consequences from our best intentions. I loved the themes of home, family, and the world. I was awed by the way Doerr's writing reads like poetry and the beauty of the delicate connections between the characters and timelines that emerged throughout the book. Thank you to netgalley and Scribner for the advanced copy!

Overall, I'm glad I pushed through, but this was such a difficult book to read because of all the characters, the central story that all the characters play off, the different times in history - everything jumped around far too much.
As far as writing style goes, Doerr will always get 5 stars from me. His prose is gorgeous. The characters were exceptionally drawn. For me, if a writer can get me in to a character's head and body, I know they're good. The message of the book is a good one that every reader will appreciate.
Because of all this, I read the first few chapters and then kept flicking pages forward, picking up the general story, until I got to the last few chapters so I could get the wrap-up. Happily, there was less jumpiness here and the ending was satisfying.
I give this a 3.4.

Y'all gather round and let this story about the power of stories cure you of what ails you (literally and literarily). Wrestling together three timelines in a way that few authors are capable of, Anthony Doerr tells a timeless (lol) tale that shows why books matter, and why preserving what we can matters. Something that sticks out to me about this and his previous work, is the overwhelming kindness of his characters. It is a refreshing tonic to the cynicism prevalent in so much other lit fic.

The novel traces the path of 5 key characters across 3 timelines: 15th century Constantinople, pre-World War II America through 2020ish, and a far-flung future. The sinew connecting these eras is a fictional, yet fully-realized, millenia old comedy/metafiction written for a dying niece. Ultimately, as the dedication notes, it is a love letter for librarians and it is a special one at that.

Doerr's third masterpiece emphasizes the ongoing thread of mythology and stories throughout earth's civilization by telling the stories of young adults living through tumultuous times. The novel weaves in and out of settings of Constantinople in the fifteenth century, in a small town in present-day Idaho, and on an interstellar ship in the future. The novel is delightful and whimsical, alongside its fine intellectual qualities.

4.5****

Anthony Doerr captured 3 time periods weaving them into a connection with the Greek Myth Aethon. Each time period builds on the other while the characters are not alike and each on a different journey, you will be amazed how much we are the same. There was an eeriness of it when you realize we can imagine what we will be perceived as when we are gone and those that will exist after. I'm not a fan of Sci-fi or Greek Mythology, but after reading several sections in I became mesmerized where it would connect. Notable, each chapter is actually 24 sections in the Greek Alphabet...Alpha to Omega..how befitting when there is a beginning and the end.

I must say too "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr is one of my favorites to recommend if you haven't read it and enticed me to read this one. Totally different books, but delivery of them both are amazing.

**Aethon is from 4th Century BC Greek Playwright Aristophanes... a whimsical play** meaning curiosity, foolish behavior...a humorous title but derived from the play in what they should call the city of Sparta that would make Hercules proud "Cloud Cuckoo Land".

With 3 time periods, 1453, 15th Century Constantinople under siege is Anna, an orphan, living under the roof of women destined and tied to sewing the robes of priest all day. Finding a library book on the character Aethon, she reads and imagines what it would be like to be a bird and fly to paradise. She finds a friend in a village boy, Omeir...their relationship is poetic.
Present day Idaho, Zeno, once a POW, directs 5 children in a play Aethon in the library....their lives will soon connect with a disturbed teen, Seymour, who plants a bomb in the library...this is an intense relationship between Zeno & Seymour.
The final time period is on a futuristic spaceship with young Konstance studying the remnants of the story Aethon.

I was not prepared for the ending and final twist of lives and how we are all connected, while watching a different clock. When a book like this stops you in your tracks...and be prepared a tad to get to that point 😉 you will ponder the past, present and future with a new perspective. This is entitled to an award for a unexpected journey we are all on and how our lives connect with people in the 15th century to what the future beholds. Good job, Anthony Doerr! Alpha to Omega.... Cheers to all time periods of Libraries and librarians!!

Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for this remarkable ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr
Scribner
Publication Date September 28, 2021

There was so much hype about Cloud Cuckoo Land, that when I was presented the opportunity to review this book I said YES. This is the newest novel by Anthony Doerr. This was a very difficult book to rate. It was a beautifully written novel but I did not enjoy reading it.

This book is mostly about sadness and despair. The story jumps between three different story lines and time periods.Each timeline presents a story and compelling characters I struggled with these timelines and trying to grasp exactly what was going on. None of these story lines made sense to me.

**TRIGGER** I am a huge animal lover, so this book could be a trigger for some folks. As you read, there is some devastating animal deaths. This can immediately ruin a book for me.

I was hoping to love it because of the reviews were so high. But there’s too much going on. You have a fantasy, sci fi, historical fiction then mix in a contemporary themed story. Way too much for me. I need one solid type of book. I know several people will disagree with my review but I wanted to like it. Just the trigger alone tuned me sour.

Thank you Scribner and Net Galley for providing me an Advance Copy in exchange for an honest review. This book is set to be released September 28, 2021.

This ambitious novel pays tribute to the power of books and libraries and addresses the many problems facing our world and the importance of our connections with each other and past and future generations. From the description, it seemed like the author was trying to do too much, and for much of the time I felt that to be the case, though it ended on a strong note.

The novel centers around a rediscovered Greek manuscript called Cloud Cuckoo Land, about a shepherd who dreams of finding a utopian city of birds in the sky. The story brings comfort to people in different places and times, including a girl who reads it to her dying sister during the siege of Constantinople; a lonely gay man in modern Idaho who translates it in honor of a lost love; a group of children performing a play version in a library held hostage by an environmental activist; and a girl who appears to be the sole survivor of an ill-fated expedition to escape an uninhabitable Earth.

The perspective changes among five different narrators in three time periods, with the effect of both too little time spent with each character and the pace dragging in the middle. Doerr's wonderful writing style and human insights shine throughout, and in the last quarter, the storylines come together in a meaningful and emotional way.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy.

I loved the concept, premise, and messages of the book, but unfortunately, I will have to say that I do have mixed feelings regarding the characters and writings. As I said, Cloud Cuckoo Land is told through the perspective of five characters: Anna, Omeir, Seymour, Zeno, and Konstance. Out of all of these, my favorites were Omeir’s and Zeno’s storyline; I felt that they were the most engaging. I did, however, struggled with getting interested in Anna’s and Seymour’s storyline. It shouldn’t be that way, especially for Anna because Anna and Omeir reminded me of Marie and Werner from All the Light We Cannot See.
Doerr writes beautifully, and in this ambitious and complex novel, I wish the chapters—not all of them—were longer. With five POV characters that jump back and forth in time, things can get pretty confusing at times. But personally, my biggest issue with Cloud Cuckoo Land is that I found the POV chapters changing too quickly to my liking before I even get invested in the said character’s story. This was the same in All the Light We Cannot See; each chapter was so short, but in that novel, we have only two characters to follow. Here, we have five POV characters, with such short chapters, it was hard for me to connect with the characters. Also, similar to the prose in All the Light We Cannot See, there’s a lot of metaphors used that I couldn’t fully click with; they took me out of Doerr’s beautiful writing rather than engrossed me.

Five people bound across centuries by a single book find themselves in circumstances that will determine the course of their individual lives. As they fight through their experiences, they will discover that words and stories truly do have the power to bind people and to change them forever. Author Anthony Doerr returns after seven years with a novel full of pain, fear, and hope in the lushly descriptive Cloud Cuckoo Land.

Decades from now on the spacecraft Argos, Konstance gets introduced to the Library on a special birthday. Using the Library’s virtual interactive features, she begins exploring the world as it used to be. Like all of her friends, Konstance was born on the Argos and knows nothing of Earth. She’s curious, though, about what the world was like, and the more time she spends in the Library the more she’s drawn to the past.

In Constantinople in 1453, Anna and her sister live with women who embroider vestments for clergymen. That is, Anna’s sister embroiders. Anna is too busy wondering about everything and asking questions. Outside the city, Omeir marches with a large contingent of men, animals, and weapons headed to Constantinople to conquer it. Omeir only joined the group because he was promised riches. Maybe, if he does a good job, people will forget about his physical deformity.

Zeno is embarking on an ambitious project in Idaho in 2020: he’s directing a group of fifth graders in a play. The play is based on an ancient Greek text, which started out as Zeno’s personal project. When the kids discovered him with the book, he began sharing the story of Aethon who wants to turn into a bird and visit a mythical city in the sky. Now the kids have come to the library for their dress rehearsal, and Zeno finds himself charmed by their excitement.

In the same town, Seymour is on a mission. He’s heartsick over the state of the world and has decided this is the day he’s going to make his voice heard. Leaving a homemade bomb on a shelf in the library, Seymour turns to leave when he discovers he’s not alone.

Through the centuries, the story of Aethon will connect all five of these people in direct and indirect ways. As they navigate the knowledge they seek, the courage they earn, and the consequences of their mistakes, only the power of story will carry them through the pivotal moments of their lives.

Author Anthony Doerr returns with a story that some are calling a love letter to librarians. Indeed, through his five characters Doerr pays tribute to libraries and the essential need for storytelling. Told in a nonlinear format, the book takes a little time to get started. Once it does, however, readers will be flipping /swiping pages as fast as they can to find out what happens next.

Doerr’s power of prose makes even the most disparate pieces of information feel important; in this book, they are. He uses careful detailing and gorgeous narration to make every line essential. Like the best literary fiction, Doerr leaves no thread dangling. Every subplot comes to a natural, organic conclusion. By the end of the book, readers will wish they had more time with all of the characters. Most certainly they’ll finish the book and want to start reading it again to delve deeper into what they might have missed the first time.

Readers will find themselves in the middle of a fully immersive experience in this book. I recommend they Binge Cloud Cuckoo Land.

I was generously gifted an Advanced Readers Copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Cloud Cuckoo Land is Anthony Doerr's highly anticipated novel novel following his widespread success of All the Lights We Cannot See. I, like many people, was excited to see what kind of story Doerr had next. Initially, Cloud Cuckoo Land was not what I was expecting- I have a hard time categorizing it as historical fiction or even any one genre at all. I was confused by the several story lines that make up several different time periods and circumstances- I was repeatedly questioning what an orphan living in Constantinople, a old many in 21st century Idaho, and a child living in a futuristic space ship had in common . Also, the ancient Greek story called Cloud Cuckoo Land- that was suppose to bridge the different characters- was more perplexing than information. But with patience, these stories were magnificently woven together and I realize the missing elements of the story was kind of the point. I am still shocked how Doerr was able to integrate everything so unexpectedly and give the novel as a whole a beautiful messages about things lost and found, the environment, home, and the impact of stories!

I would highly recommend this book to fiction lovers, but to those who have read All the Lights, I would give the caveat to not expect much similarities in storyline. Instead, expect the same excellent writing and storytelling skills of Anthony Doerr.

Thanks to NetGalley, Anthony Doerr and Simon & Schuster for the ARC.

After reading All the Lights We Cannot See I couldn’t wait for the next Anthony Doerr book.

WOW! This book was well deserved the wait, it’s everything a reader could ask for. This beautiful written book shows how broken the world is and damage we continue to do to it, but it also is a shining example of hope.

This book is amazing, immersive, and complex. Centered around 5 main characters, the story unfolds in the 15th century, modern day, and far in the future. The chapters alternate characters, and timelines, as it weaves the story of each of the characters' lives, as well the tale of Aethon, in ancient Greece, who longs to be a bird and fly to paradise. The book explores many themes through the eyes of the characters, the struggle to survive, prejudice, mistreatment, the horrors of war, and destruction of our environment. It is also a book of love and hope, of humankind's triumphs, and the power of knowledge and libraries. (I loved that the book was dedicated to librarians) It crosses all genres, and is just beautifully written as the author expertly connects the stories and time periods together. It was a wonderful read! I did receive an ARC from Netgalley and the publisher and I am very glad I did.

There is an ancient, mysterious Greek tale, written by Antonius Diogenes. Mysterious, because it was lost, and then some of it has been obliterated with damage and time. Five people, in three different time periods separated by centures, read and bring their own meanings to this tale.

This novel leads us into the lives of Anna, Omeir, Zeno, Seymour, and Konstance, who each have compelling stories of their own. The way the narrative switches back and forth between stories, letting the reader notice the connections, is brilliant and compelling. This ancient tale captures attention and imagination, allowing people to just enjoy it, to live in the moment.

The themes that run through these stories are beautiful, too. To need hope, to need other people, is to be human. And we are all in this together, and can't give up.

There are so many wonderful details in these stories! Jonathan Doerr writes magically, so that time disappeared while I was reading this. For a time, it was all I needed.

Thank you, Netgalley and Scribner, for gifting me with the opportunity to experience this new book!

DNF at 30% - I just can’t do it. Don’t pick this up just because you loved All The Light We Cannot See.

Thank you to NetGalley and Scribner for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this book.
I loved the concept, premise, and messages of the book, but unfortunately, I will have to say that I do have mixed feelings regarding the characters and writings. As I said, Cloud Cuckoo Land is told through the perspective of five characters: Anna, Omeir, Seymour, Zeno, and Konstance. Out of all of these, my favorites were Omeir’s and Zeno’s storyline; I felt that they were the most engaging. I did, however, struggled with getting interested in Anna’s and Seymour’s storyline. It shouldn’t be that way, especially for Anna because Anna and Omeir reminded me of Marie and Werner from All the Light We Cannot See.
Doerr writes beautifully, and in this ambitious and complex novel, I wish the chapters—not all of them—were longer. With five POV characters that jump back and forth in time, things can get pretty confusing at times. But personally, my biggest issue with Cloud Cuckoo Land is that I found the POV chapters changing too quickly to my liking before I even get invested in the said character’s story. This was the same in All the Light We Cannot See; each chapter was so short, but in that novel, we have only two characters to follow. Here, we have five POV characters, with such short chapters, it was hard for me to connect with the characters. Also, similar to the prose in All the Light We Cannot See, there’s a lot of metaphors used that I couldn’t fully click with; they took me out of Doerr’s beautiful writing rather than engrossed me.

Pub Date: September 28, 2021

This is a truly indescribable story.
Bouncing through many different timelines and characters, this story is both beautifully descriptive and profoundly tragic. This book demands your full attention. It is not one to rush through, or to try and read alongside any others. I actually had to stop reading all other books while I read this so that I could completely absorb and appreciate it.

One timeline in particular had me on the edge of my seat and I just couldn’t stop until I knew how it ended. This story also gave me a deeper appreciation for the advances in modern day medicine and what doctors can do to save lives. It really is a story that is all encompassing.

For those who enjoy nods to Greek mythology and a thought provoking read, this one is for you!

*I have not yet read All The Light We Cannot See so didn’t have to struggle with comparing to his previous work.

Bug thanks to @Netgalley and @Scribnerbooks for this digital ARC!