Reviews

The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet by David Mitchell

sarahheidt's review against another edition

5.0

This is the first David Mitchell novel I read, back in the summer it came out in the US. Totally compelling. Now that I've read all his others, I want to get back to this one, but I haven't had a chance to reread it yet.

kwbridge's review against another edition

4.0

I started this bool last year but couldn't get into it. I am SO glad I gave it another try...

storia's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

eris's review against another edition

4.0

I didn't like this one as much as "Cloud Atlas" or "The Bone Clocks" mostly because it didn't have the SF/F stuff (or very little of it, anyway) that I normally go in for. However, to give it only 3 stars would be a disservice. The writing is just too good, and the setting so beautifully rendered.

herfst's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional informative mysterious reflective tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

timmybooth's review against another edition

3.0

Written well. Not my favorite Mitchell.

Cloud Atlas.

Cloud Atlas is my favorite Mitchell.

katpiercefield's review against another edition

4.0

Intriguing look into Japan at the beginning of the 19th century, from the perspective of young clerk in a Dutch shipping company -- with all the elements of a great yarn: atmosphere, unconventional characters, a love story, a chilling mystery, a heinous villain. The writing is lush, meaty, and at times lyrical.

aimxxgarcia's review against another edition

5.0

David Mitchell amazes me to no end.
I am in awe... I'm so glad that this is the first book I finished this year.

myqz's review against another edition

3.0

First section was a slog for me, and I think Mitchell could have built the same level of character depth with less bureaucratic drudgery. Loved the variety of genre, and it’s interesting to see him use them to tell one story.

sfletcher26's review against another edition

5.0

I really don't know how to review this book. but then again I'm never quite sure I know how to review any of his books because their scope and scale are so massive.
This is now the third of Mitchell's books I've read (Cloud Atlas and Slade House being the other 2) and it's the only time I can ever remember giving all of the books I've read by an author 5 stars.
Wondering though whether he can keep it up but definately looking forward to finding out.