It knits together science fiction, political thriller and historical pastiche with musical virtuosity and linguistic exuberance: there won't be a bigger, bolder novel this year. -- Justine Jordan Guardian An impeccable dance of genres ... an elegiac, radiant festival of prescience, meditation and entertainment. -- Neel Mukherjee The Times His wildest ride yet ... a singular achievement, from an author of extraordinary ambition and skill -- Matt Thorne Independent on Sunday David Mitchell entices his readers onto a rollercoaster, and at first they wonder if they want to get off. Then - at least in my case - they can't bear the journey to end. -- AS Byatt Guardian Mitchell's storytelling in Cloud Atlas is of the best. I was, appropriately, captivated. -- Lawrence Norfolk Independent The best novel of the year so far ... a thrilling ride of a story -- Philip Hensher Observer Impeccably structured novel of ideas in many voices by a talent to watch. Literary Editor's Best Books, Observer Funny, exciting, imaginative and energetic -- Tim Lott Evening Standard