21st Century Literature discussion

Starting off the discussion on Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr! The novel has three main parts, one set during the fall of Constantinople to the Ottomans in the 15th century, one in the current age in Northern America in a library and finally a futuristic setting in a generation ship, all bound together by an Ancient Greek fictional text.

I am actually going to Istanbul in April this year, and I think that section is my favourite of the book. Just finished The Ottomans: Khans, Caesars and Caliphs by Marc David Baer, offering a fascinating view of what happens after the fall of Constantinople. I am also planning some Orhan Pamuk later on this year.

Some reviews of Cloud Cuckoo Land included below. I immensely enjoyed the book, but I am a big fan for interwoven narratives and I enjoy the ambition shown by Doerr in the novel.

https://www.theguardian.com/books/202...

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/24/bo...

https://www.booksaremythirdplace.com/...

There are also some bookclub questions here, I normally don't enjoy them that much to structure a discussion, but we could use them potentially later on to discuss our thoughts and perceptions in respect to the novel: https://bookclubchat.com/books/book-c...

Who is joining in the reading of the novel this month?

I'm going to try to join Henk, but I'm not sure if I'll make it by the end of the month with the length.

It just so happens that I'm reading a different novel by a British-Turkish author right now, Elif Shafak, who apparently is the most popular author in Turkey (at least according to the Goodreads author summary)? There Are Rivers in the Sky also has mixed time frames and interwoven narratives and is a little on the longish side.

I'll try to join Cloud Cuckoo Land after I finish the ones I have in progress if I can.

Greg wrote: "I'm going to try to join Henk, but I'm not sure if I'll make it by the end of the month with the length.

It just so happens that I'm reading a different novel by a British-Turkish author right no..."

No worries (I kind of cheated by reading the book end of last year and this topic will be online for ever!). I loved 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World by Elif Shafak, I have There Are Rivers in the Sky as a priority to read for this year, hope you'll enjoy it!

Greg, I am also reading both books and surprisingly both have similar beginnings, you are right about the mixed time frames, they're both very interesting, they remind me of The Master and Margarita.

Nidhi wrote: "Greg, I am also reading both books and surprisingly both have similar beginnings, you are right about the mixed time frames, they're both very interesting, they remind me of The Master and Margarita."

Glad to see you here Nidhi! 😀

I may join in a couple of weeks, but don't have a copy yet, so not making any promises.

I am in the same boat. I will try to join in if time permits and waiting for it to come in at the library.

Hi everyone! I am new here and this is my first comment. Henk’s summary of the book lured me here - I may be able to join the read in a week or so. :)

Samia wrote: "Hi everyone! I am new here and this is my first comment. Henk’s summary of the book lured me here - I may be able to join the read in a week or so. :)"

Glad to have you join Samia!

Sounds good Samia, welcome!

Finally got started on this one yesterday and I'm about 50 pages in. Hard to figure out what is going on but I see how there are alternating points of view and timelines here. Interested to see how things go from here.

Hi, I’ve never been active in a Good Reads book club. How do we talk about the book? Is there a Zoom meeting or something live on 1/25? Or do we just keep typing comments here like an old school message board?

Jennifer wrote: "Hi, I’ve never been active in a Good Reads book club. How do we talk about the book? Is there a Zoom meeting or something live on 1/25? Or do we just keep typing comments here like an old school me..."

No, this group has never met face to face or on Zoom or similar - this is all there is. All our discussions remain open beyond the scheduled end date, and late comments are always welcome.

Jennifer wrote: "Hi, I’ve never been active in a Good Reads book club. How do we talk about the book? Is there a Zoom meeting or something live on 1/25? Or do we just keep typing comments here like an old school me..."

Good to see you here, Jennifer!

I like how the revolving stories seem to have common threads. I'm intrigued to see how they all add up and fit together. The writing is really good and smooth and I feel pretty hooked each night on the story taking place when I'm reading.

Glad you’re enjoying the book Frank!

I am more than halfway through and should finish before the end of the month.