I’ve always had this weird mentality where I cant read a book if I’ve already seen the film. Damn those spoilers! This is exactly what happened with Cloud Atlas. Having ‘missed the boat’ with the novel, I was still left intrigued by Mitchell’s metaphysical approach to story telling. So, I was keen to get my hands on his latest endeavour The Bone Clocks, which Santa was kind enough to bring me this Christmas.
Similar to Cloud Atlas, the book is split into several distinct interconnecting stories that are skilfully weaved together to form a master plot. With the bulk of the action taking place over 70 years or so, the reader follows the life of feisty teenager Holly Sykes, who is inadvertently drawn into a world of mysticism and paranormal phenomenon. She gradually comes to realise she has a ‘scripted’, pre ordained role to play in events much bigger than herself, and must summon all her strength to help defeat an ancient and tenacious enemy.
The use of multiple narrators keeps the pace lively while also adding depth to the narrative. As the story jumps through time and space, the various well-rounded and carefully crafted characters contribute jigsaw-shaped pieces of information that slowly build a bigger picture. Exhilarating, comical, and powerfully imaginative, this morality tale has a number of remarkably poignant lessons to teach us about the sanctity of life and the world we live in. Highly recommended!
Tom Eden 