Oh man I just can't. I tried to enjoy this book and stay engaged. But the multiple storylines in multiple decades and universes lost me. Plus, I lost interest trying to figure out how they were linked together. I loved All the Light We Cannot See and had such high hopes for this one, but it fell oh so flat.

I requested this book because: ANTHONY DOERR! This is a complex tale with multiple story lines that gradually come together. It's a slow burn that picked up [for me] about 3/4 through.

"Set in Constantinople in the fifteenth century, in a small town in present-day Idaho, and on an interstellar ship decades from now...a soaring story about children on the cusp of adulthood in worlds in peril, who find resilience, hope—and a book."

Anna, a 13-year old orphan, lives in a house of women with her ailing sister, Maria, both embroidering the robes of priests. She finds a book [another part of her life] "...the story of Aethon, who longs to be turned into a bird so that he can fly to a utopian paradise in the sky."

Omeir, a hare-lipped village boy [probably my favorite character], eventually crosses paths with Anna.

Zeno, who works in a library in Lakeport, Idaho, and "...who learned Greek as a prisoner of [the Korean] war, rehearses five children in a play adaptation of Aethon’s story--Cloud Cuckoo Land, preserved against all odds through centuries." Zeno is my second favorite character; I found his [back]story compelling.

Seymour, a troubled teenager being raised by his single, down-on-her-luck mother, plants a bomb in same library.

And Konstance, on the interstellar ship Argos, abandoned by her parents, is alone in a vault with Sybil, who is an Alexa-like device [I guess].

All these characters are "dreamers and outsiders" connected by Aethon's story--which is interspersed throughout the novel.

Often bleak and somber, with very little, if any humor. For me, this was a challenging read until I got into the rhythm and was wholly invested.

A combination of historical fiction [Constantinople], science fiction/fantasy {Konstance] reality [Seymour, Zeno]. It is beautifully written, but sometimes tedious [also, the dystopian part just not for me.]

Some phrases/sentences that display far more than their few words:

"praying behind her eyes"
"moles on her throat that look like beetles paralyzed mid-crawl"
"the hem of night"
"Beneath their wimples the faces of the nuns of the order resemmble dried thistles, colorless and brittle: none look younger than a century."
"Huge white stones lie among weeds like the lost molars of giants."
I could go on and on.

I had to look up more than a few words--mostly technical/scientific.

Is is a coincidence that the librarian's name is Marian? [and the book is dedicated to librarians].

So recommend, but prepare yourself for a long, slow read.

I really enjoyed Anthony Doerr's most recent book, All the Light We Cannot See, so I jumped at the chance for an advance reader's copy of his new novel. Thanks to NetGalley for providing it!

I loved this book. I'm a fan of sprawling novels with intersecting narratives, and that's what this is. To add to the fun, those intersecting narratives take place in different time periods. There are five main protagonists: Anna and Omeir in 15th century Constantinople and the surrounding area (before, during, and after the siege), Seymour and Zeno in 20th-21st century Idaho, and Konstance on a spacecraft in the future. The stories are connected by an ancient Greek codex called Cloud Cuckoo Land, which is also excerpted in Doerr's novel.

The premise of the ancient story is that the narrator writes it to comfort his dying niece. It is diverting because it's an adventure about a man who seeks to escape his circumstances by transforming into a bird, but of course a lot of things go wrong when he tries to do that. The story is lost and rediscovered many times over the centuries, but every time it pops up, it brings great comfort and even healing powers for those who read or hear it. It has an almost magical ability to help people escape their circumstances, whether those are an epic siege of a walled city, a lived life that haunts the reader, or a life spent in exile. There are some interesting similarities and differences between the <i>Cloud Cuckoo Land</i> story and the virtual reality Atlas that Konstance explores on her shop, too. Doerr seems to play with the idea of what is "real" - is it real life on Planet Earth, or a virtual experience that transports? Is it the present, the past, or our ability to connect the two?

I genuinely enjoyed spending hours of reading time with these characters. Unlike many of the ancient stories which feature gods and heroes, this book centers regular, everyday people ... though sometimes these characters do heroic things. Like us, they are subject to the extraordinary currents of their times, and they do the best they can with what they have. Perhaps there has never been a time period which wasn't extraordinary in its own way.

I look forward to re-reading this in physical format after it is published. The NetGalley app doesn't support highlighting, which I sorely missed. There are so many beautiful passages to which I want to return.

4.5 Stars on Goodreads. Review in exchange for an ARC from Netgalley.
This novel had adventure, historical elements, fantasy, and sci-fi all in one. If you like any genre at all, you would like at least something in this novel.

I was extremely excited to get a copy of Cloud Cuckoo Land after reading (and loving) All the Light We Cannot See. The story is set with different time periods: past, present, and future, and intertwines the lives of 5 characters (Anna, Omeir, Zeno, Seymour, and Konstance), around one Greek fable. You know how sometimes authors create characters that fall flat and are just the token extras in a book? Well this was not the case. Each character plays an important role in how the story develops, and each one has its own tale that needs to be told to continue.

The book is extremely imaginative in the plot and how the stories are worked together. I kept thinking I would be able to guess where they were going with one character, and be completely wrong. I was thrown into the story so much, that I felt I was there, right along side each character. Sometimes I would forget that I was just a reader, and not in the story itself. I will say the frequent back and forth of each character's story would get me sometimes. I would be so wrapped up in say Anna's story, that I would forget who Konstance was when I started her chapter. That might be a "me" problem though and not an author problem.

I do think the ending of each character fell flat; I wanted more. It was just slightly unremarkable how these characters each had great tasks throughout the whole novel, and then when the author was done with them, gave them swift endings that could have been more involved or detailed.

I would definitely recommend this book. I do not know how Doerr did it again, but he must have a muse on his shoulder as he writes his tales.

I really wanted to like this book, because the premise sounded really interesting. However, it was just such a struggle for me to keep track of the many different POVs and timelines. The POV sections were so short at a time that I found it difficult to maintain a connection to any characters or stories.

Usually I like multi-POV books but this one didn’t do it for me

Thank you to Netgalley and Scribner for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

An orphan girl at the fall of Constantinople. A man in a small town in Idaho. A young girl aboard a ship in the stars. Three timelines, all bound together by one book, one story.

I am categorically, unequivocally unwell after reading this book. All the Light We Cannot See is one of my favorite books of all time, and Cloud Cuckoo Land has been not only one of my most anticipated reads of the year but of the past five years, honestly. Admittedly, through the beginning of the book, I was worried it wasn't going to live up to my expectations--the beginning is slow, with multiple timelines and settings and characters that you're still getting to know. By the end, though? I think this book might be even better.

If there's one thing you can count on with an Anthony Doerr book, it's beautiful writing. Even before I was invested in the story, I was in awe of the way he crafts the story. Often, books fall into the trap of beautiful words without anything more--this had beautiful words and so much more. It was notable, too, how much Doerr has grown as an author since All the Light We Cannot See--the prose flows unfailingly, there is something lyrical in the way he writes. Honestly, I have a solid third of this book highlighted.

There are 5 main characters and 5 main storylines across three different timelines. By the end, I adored all of them and was moved to tears by all of them, but early on it was definitely a bit confusing. All the characters are completely seperate, and at that point there is nothing that links them. While I struggled a bit at first because of it, though, it made the story all the more impactful as everything began to come together. Using a story as the one thing that connects everyone was a brilliant creative choice.

Ultimately, I'm sure this book is not without its flaws, but as I write this review while still crying from the epilogue (as if Konstance and Zino's plotlines alone didn't make me sob several times before that), I'm too moved and impressed to think of any. The only real warning I can give: This book is LONG. I never wanted to put it down, but it still felt as if I'd read for hours and barely make any progress. But if that and the beginning are my only real critiques right now? I'd call that a pretty damn good book.

I received an advanced copy from #Netgally for an honest review.

Generations between them, one piece of literature connects them all: Giving them hope, courage and the meaning of life. Cloud Cuckoo Land is a multi layered work of genius fiction that will stay in your heart, mind and soul long after the book closes..

A solid 5 star for me!!!!

Overall, I really enjoyed this! It was compared to Cloud Atlas, and I definitely get why. I truly connected with every character in this book, and loved the way this story flowed. Additionally, this was beautifully and vividly written. I was easily transported to the places the author discussed. As a librarian I am also always drawn to books that involves libraries and stories.

Review-Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr

Because I totally loved Anthony Doerr’s book All the Light We Cannot See, and his Shell Seekers: Stories, I decided to get comfortable and read Cloud Cockoo Land, but I was so disappointed! In fact, I couldn’t finish it! I gave it a try and got to 42%, but alas, I could not continue. The book jumped around from a Library in Idaho with Seymore a troubled teenager to Anna an orphan who lives with her abandoned sister during the great siege of Constantinople. The story springs forward to Konstance who is adrift in an interstellar ship, Argos, in the future. What ties them together is their love for an ancient story, librarian friends and the author’s imagination. I do enjoy Doerr’s descriptive writing, but I just could not get into the story!

By Shirley W

I absolutely loved Anthony Doerr's previous book, All the Light We Cannot See and recommended it to all my family and friends to read too, so I was extremely excited to receive Cloud Cuckoo Land from Scribner to read as a digital ARC.

I was at first slightly concerned when I began reading that with the alternating viewpoints of past (Anna & Omeir 1400's Constantinople & Bulgaria), present (Zino 1940s-present Korea/Idaho & Seymour present Idaho), and future (Konstance on spaceship Argos--which is aptly named!) characters interwoven with an Ancient Greek manuscript being translated into a play about a man who longs for paradise but eventually finds that his best paradise is at home, that it would be too confusing to me to accurately comprehend the story being told. However, Doerr expertly created easily visualized, detailed worlds within each chapter, vibrant characters that the reader deeply cares about and a story that connects all of these seemingly disconnected events. Overarching themes of putting family and community before oneself, caring for the environment and creating a beautiful future for our next generations are embedded within the story and give readers things to think about for our current world's fate as well as hope within our own lives as we address adversity.

The only element that concerned me, when reading, was how Seymour was vividly portrayed as clearly being on the autism spectrum, seemingly becoming violent as a result of his difficulties in life dealing with his sensitivities & his inability to cope in society. People on the autism spectrum are not more likely to become violent than those who are neurotypical, so it is unfortunate that this element may lead people to continue to believe some stereotypes & misconceptions about those on the spectrum.

The story was enveloping--I could NOT put it down, as I cared for each character and silently cheered them on! Sometimes the chapters ended too quickly and I wished I could have spent more time with that character before moving onto the next. I loved that this book is about libraries, books and librarians as they have a positive effect on so many lives, including my own. I had many questions about Konstance. It would have been interesting to have known more about her mother's backstory--why she choose the mission, who she was previously, what she was like growing up--just as we learned about Konstance's father. And although I loved that most of the characters had their stories wrapped up by the end and we got a peep into their futures and destinies, I would have loved a bit more conclusion about Konstance's journey and an explanation as to what happened to the Argos to have the expedition conclude as it did. Her journey captivated my imagination as I have always wondered, even as a small child what it will be like when future generations decide to set out to create a new world elsewhere. In the end, the book is really about "WHERE do we call HOME? and WHO is our Family? and WHAT is most meaningful in LIFE?"

A masterpiece for our times. Anthony Doerr weaves a tale across centuries based upon characters' interaction with an ancient Greek text he has also magically created. Doerr gifts us with five sets of multi-dimensional, unforgettable characters whose individual stories reach across the continents. It takes genius to be able to carry the reader seamlessly through such a complex and magical tale while employing such beautiful language and imagery. I was drawn deeply into this novel, yet was so satisfied by the conclusion that I did not mind that it ended as I will carry its memory always.

This was a gorgeous new novel by Anthony Doerr. Thank you to the published and to Netgalley for granting my request! In true Anthony Doerr fashion, he connects beautifully the unconnectable with seemingly impossible circumstances that weave togther wonderously. I loved every section of this novel (although the historical part was my favorite) and exquisite prose that he is famous for is once again in every sentence. After I finished it, I reread it again. I think he might win another Pulitzer for this.
100 stars!!

From the author of All the Light We Cannot See comes an ambitious work of literary fiction. Doerr's novel toggles between three timelines - the Fall of Constantinople in 1453, present-day Idaho, and interstellar ship far in the future. Each piece explores the power of stories as a fictional ancient Greek comedy weaves throughout the entire book. I predict that Cloud Cuckoo Land will be hit or miss with people since the plot doesn't converge as powerfully as it should. Yet, the awe-inspiring power of the written word that Doerr evokes in every sentence will be appreciated by literary fiction lovers.

Anthony Doerr’s new novel, Cloud Cuckoo Land, will perhaps not pluck the heartstrings in quite the same way as his earlier masterpiece, All the Light We Cannot See. But make no mistake – it is another ambitious, astonishing and successful work of imagination that will echo in the mind long after the reader closes the book.

Cloud Cuckoo Land defies categorization. Much like his earlier work, the book is part historical fiction (two of the story’s young protagonists find themselves on opposing sides during the 1453 siege of Constantinople), part romance (the heartbreaking tale of love and destiny overcoming great geopolitical forces), and part suspense (a present day, misguided terrorist attack in a public library). But it also has elements of science fiction (another central character is aboard an interstellar ship escaping the ecological destruction of earth) and fable (the ancient Greek tale of a foolish young man who wishes to be transformed into a bird is the thread that loosely ties together these stories and characters who are separated by centuries).

In other hands, this story could easily devolve into wild fantasy, bland romance or, worse, an ecological polemic. But Doerr’s genius is his ability to deliver a profound message about our failing stewardship of the earth without losing sight of his responsibility as a novelist to engage and entertain. This is really what makes Cloud Cuckoo Land great and important literature, alongside All the Light We Cannot See – and reestablishes Anthony Doerr as probably the foremost American novelist of our age, writing at the height of his powers.

Cloud Cuckoo Land is a new favorite book. I have no clue what I was expecting going in because I selected this simply for the author. The story slowly u folded in multiply timelines from multiple points of views, with an old Greek story weaving them together. There’s Omeir and Anna in ancient Constinantinople. There’s modern day Idaho with a special little library, and Seymour who sees and feels too much. There’s flashbacks from a librarian to his youth. Then there’s the future and Konstance. Each of these timelines is revisited time and time again, with Doerr masterfully adding layer by layer to the characters with the result being a beautiful novel. I read in bits and pieces while on vacation and each time I was able to revisit the story was like being able to take another bite of a special treat.

I am so thankful for the opportunity to read this special book! Thank you to Anthony Doerr, NetGalley and Scribner for an advanced copy of this book for a review. I LOVED it.

Cloud Cuckoo Land is a quiet triumph, slowly telling the interconnected story of five strangers and the thread that holds them together - Diogenes' story of Aethon. The story is told from each character's point of view, and it builds slowly. This story is not for the reader looking for immediate gratification. But if you're willing to settle in for the storytelling, the gratification comes, once you've stepped into the shoes and stories of Anna, Omeir, Zeno, Seymour and Konstance. None of the characters is the traditional hero character, instead their routine lives are ones that get interrupted by the world around them, and each is forced to decide if they're willing to be compliant with the change forced upon or if they're willing to write their own part in the story, much like Aethon inspiring for more. Will Anna be more than an embroideress? Will Omeir be more than a oxen herder conscripted into a sultan's army? Will Zeno find purpose after a stint as a POW in the Korean leaves him adrift? Will Seymour take action against the people that have taken the one friend he has away from him? Will Konstance survive alone on the Argos? As much as the reader wants resolution for the characters, the journey is just as fascinating and beautiful as any destination where they could land. Beautiful storytelling once again from Doerr.

I just couldn't do this book. I got through 50% and realized that it might be better targeted to a Young Adult population of readers. I think High Schoolers might love it. I found the current day stories compelling, but I couldn't relate to the ancient or future ones. I wanted to finish it because so many readers have given it 5 stars because of the ending and the way the stories tie together, but I found myself skimming, and that's not fair to the writer or the story.

Thank you, NetGalley, for allowing me a chance to read Cloud Cuckoo Land.

After 7 years of waiting, Anthony Doerr does not disappoint with his newest title Cloud Cuckoo Land. A 5 star novel that will stay with you long after you’re done reading, I wanted to savor every page. As illustrated in the book’s dedication “For the librarians then, now, and in the years to come”, Cloud Cuckoo Land pays homage to books and reading.

By interweaving stories from the past, present and the future, Doerr illustrates the connectivity of generations and the power of hope. Beautifully written and transporting plots intermingle together to illustrate adolescents on the verge of adulthood and the influence that one story, Cloud Cuckoo Land, has on all their lives.

Thank you to NetGalley and Scribner for the advanced readers copy and the opportunity to read this amazing novel that is sure to be the best book of 2021!

Great weaving of storylines. This book will keep you reading all the day long! I loved the imaginative way the story came together and in my imagination I was part of all the storylines.

Thank you Anthony Doerr for another book I will read every few years to restore myself.

I plowed through this in just over 24 hours. The characters and story are compelling, and kept me turning pages all day. I loved seeing the plot threads come together and weave into something beautiful. This is a fully immersive story; it plays out like a movie. I could see and hear Constantinople, Lakeport, Konstance.

That said, I figured out one major plot point very early on. That is not Mr. Doerr’s fault at all, I just read too many books and watch too much tv.

So far, this is in the lead for my best book of the year. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.