Adult Fiction
Reviewed by Angela, Manitou Branch Administrator
I was eagerly anticipating this new book by the author of All the Light We Cannot See (one of my all-time favourite novels), and I was not disappointed, although this book could not be more different.
The story follows the lives of four characters through different periods of time, from the 15th century Siege of Constantinople, the Korean War, modern-day Idaho and into an unspecified, post-apocalyptic future aboard a space mission hurtling the chosen survivors of humanity through the universe to recolonize a distant planet.
All four characters, though vastly different in terms of their circumstances, are connected by an ancient book written in Greek that 13 year old Anna finds in a ruined monastery library at Constantinople. All of the characters feel compelled to save, translate, and preserve the book; a fable about Aethon and his travels, and many misadventures, seeking the mythical sky kingdom of Cloud Cuckoo Land.
Throughout the book, the characters draw parallels in the story with their own lives and situations, and for all of them the book becomes a symbol of something bigger and more powerful than themselves that helps them in their respective journeys.
The plot of this book is complex, and jumps around time periods, which could be confusing, however, the story of Aethon that unfolds in the pages along with the stories of the characters, cleverly parallels and connects them.
Definitely a recommended read!
Sounds like something I need to read!
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