Monday 1 April 2013

It's Monday, What Are You Reading?

Hello to those who love to read!

(Robert Frobisher in the film Cloud Atlas)

 I finished Cloud Atlas this week. 



It definitely is a book that needs to be read around the same time as watching the film, just so you can understand each one better. While the book is clever, detailed, and superbly constructed, the film brings the characters and setting to life, interweaving the stories and characters to make the links between the six different stories more explicit. 

Neither format is easy going. 

The film jumps from story to story, and it is difficult to work out what is going on, and how the pieces fit together, while the book is split into six sections, with half of each story at the beginning, one after another, one full story in the middle and the second half of each of the other stories played out at the end, one at a time. The thing I found with this format, is that I missed the characters and settings as they finished. 
I prefer the way the narratives were interwoven in the film, even if it was confusing at first.

There was something quirky and lovable about each of the stories: the belief that even one person can make a difference in the Adam Ewing story; the beautiful setting, and descriptions relating to music in the Robert Frobisher story (which are not found in the movie); the fight for survival in the Luisa Rey story; comic elements in the Timothy Cavendish story; a stark and curious dystopian future in the Sonmi 451 story; and the contrast of technology and primitiveness in the post-apocalyptic story. 

The message underlying each story is that you should fight for what you believe in, even if it means your life.
In each story there is a romantic link between two characters, which helps them to be stronger and more able to hold onto their shared beliefs. As these characters rebel against prejudices, their fighting spirit is inspiring and powerful, and their love stories, heartwarming and heartbreaking.

I definitely gained more from the movie, with its moments of quiet contemplation and determination to remain true. The stories were all visual feasts, and the diverse characters were played by highly skilled actors, including Jim Broadbent and Tom Hanks. 

It is quirky though, and one of those movies that is better to watch on your own.


This week I'll be picking up Blood of Dragons, the fourth book in the Rain Wild Chronicles by Robin Hobb. 



I'm pretty excited, because this is the final instalment of the story, 
and there are always some amazing surprises in her final chapters. I can't wait!

Now I'm off to visit my reading friends over at Book Journey:



Have a great reading week!
Love to you,
xxx


19 comments:

  1. Good review and will keep it in mind. Enjoy Blood of Dragons this is a series I've not read yet.
    Happy Reading,
    http://ruthsrunningstitch.blogspot.ie/2013/04/its-monday-what-am-i-reading6-with.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for dropping in! I just love Robin Hobb's books! :)

      Delete
  2. Thanks for sharing the review of Cloud Atlas. I recently read My Ideal Shelf and I saw Cloud Atlas on lots of shelves. I think I will be off now to find a copy.

    Here's my It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's definitely one of the most challenging books I've read, if not THE most challenging! But so rich and thought-provoking. :)

      Delete
  3. I really want to see Cloud Atlas but I'll keep in mind reading the book at the same time. Have a great week and happy reading :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They are both very confusing, but together they are much easier to understand.:)

      Delete
  4. I am definitely curious about Cloud Atlas...It sounds like quite an undertaking...

    Thanks for visiting my blog, and have a great week.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Give it a go - it's a challenge, but awe-inspiring. :)

      Delete
  5. Enjoy your new series! It's always so nice when you find a good one :) Have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't read many fantasy books anymore, but I never pass up a Robin Hobb! :)

      Delete
  6. Oh, Robin Hobb! It's been a while since I've read one of her books. I'll have to get back to it though, love her writing.

    Take a look at what I'm reading this week.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. She has some awesome books! I gave away 216 books on the weekend to clear my shelves, but I will always hold onto my Robin Hobb books! :)

      Delete
  7. I've Cloud Atlas on my shelf for like two years but haven't gotten around to reading it yet! That's a really interesting idea to pair the movie and the book together. I might have to try that...Have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I often pair books and movies, especially with the classics. Anna Karenina is the next pairing on my list! :)

      Delete
  8. OMGosh. I read the first three Rain Wild novels (I think - the ones with the magical wood that was really animals?) If so, I'm stoked that there's a fourth novel - I thought the story was over with the third novel. Glad I saw this. Robin Hobb does write amazing fiction, doesn't she? interesting world building, and wonderful details throughout her stories.

    My reading week

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not sure if you've got the same series. The Rain Wild Chronicles follows the journey of a group of people rejected from the Rain Wilds who take a group of non-flying dragons to the original City of Dragons. Sounds like you might be thinking of Sara Douglass's books. She's a brilliant author too, and they write in a similar style.:)

      Delete
  9. I hope you are enjoying Blood of Dragons. I tried to read Cloud Atlas but didn't get far - just not for me!

    Hope you have a great reading week!

    Shelleyrae @ Book'd Out

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's certainly a strange book, so I get it!:)

      Delete
  10. Cloud Atlas is one of those books I've been meaning to read for years. But I know it's going to be a big commitment, both mentally and time-wise!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for leaving me a message. You have made my day! xx