It actually took me three times to read Cloud Cuckoo Land (having loved books by Anthony Doerr) The first time I read a few chapters and couldn’t cope with changes of century each chapter, including a futuristic theme.
I left it for a few months, not wanting to give up on it, and then read through each era, skipping the chapters in between and then beginning again for the next theme. It was extremely clever the way the author weaved each, from ancient mythology to the current day and then … I’m afraid I could not face science fiction too this time either.
A few months later I began again, in the same way as last time, reading Zeno’s gripping story in the public library in 2020, then Anthony’s ….. and finally Konstance in Mission Year 65.
Wow! What an amazingly crafted and well written book. I’m glad I had the patience to stick it out. I’m afraid I met it at a time when I needed a good relaxing read, rather than a challenge, but I’m glad I have finally read it from cover to cover, even if not in the order intended!
Diana Jackson 