“…in time you will come to believe that there is nobility in being part of an enterprise that will outlast you.”
I am not exaggerating when I say Cloud Cuckoo Land became one of my favorite books of all time before I even finished it.
First, this book combines all of my favorite elements of a novel: a strong focus on characters, historical fiction, adventures far from home, and a bunch of misfits coming of age in a world that does not quite feel like home to them. Each of the five main protagonists in Cloud Cuckoo Land brings so much to the narrative and I never once felt like any of the five stories were the novel’s weak spot. Anna, Omeir, Zeno, Seymour, and Konstance are all dreamers in the truest sense of the word, and it was a true joy to see them each spend their lives searching for true peace and understanding. Anna’s adventures in which she treats the ancient streets of Constantinople like a playground made my inner historian so happy. Zeno’s resilience through heartbreak and loneliness was truly touching. Seymour’s fall from innocence was a tragedy worthy of the Greek tales that inspired Doerr to write this novel. Konstance’s detective skills and ultimate discovery was as good a twist as any. And finally, I have to give special mention to Omeir, my favorite character. None of these characters better embodied Aethon’s journey than the outcast farm boy who went to the greatest city on earth with the promise of glory, only to find joy in the simple things: home, nature, Tree and Moonlight.
Second, the best and most powerful part of Cloud Cuckoo Land is its thematic resonance. I cannot think of another work of fiction (except perhaps The Lord of The Rings) that so beautifully articulates the values I care most about and the things that frighten me most about where our modern world seems to be headed. It is so comforting to know that this novel about appreciating and preserving simple, beautiful things like stories, history, and nature has resonated with so many people and done so well. Cloud Cuckoo Land offers so many deep and thought-provoking lessons (and questions) about the true value of things: a tale passed down through the centuries; an owl in a tree; the comforts of home; the truth.
If you are looking to learn about life in 15th century Constantinople, this book is for you. If you are moved by children bonding with animals, then this book is for you. If you love universal stories about family, falling in love, loss, and discovery, then this book is for you. And above all else, if you find yourself confused or concerned about a world hurtling toward distraction, environmental degradation, dependance on technology, and disregard for our cultural and historical inheritance, then Cloud Cuckoo Land will offer you so much comfort and wisdom.
The Once and Future Lit 