Cari answers “If I'm new to Mitchell, should I start...”

Jeremy Anderson asked this question about Utopia Avenue:

If I'm new to Mitchell, should I start with this book or something else?

Cari That depends on what you genre like because an interesting thing about Mitchell´s novels is that each of them is pretty much a different genre. "Cloud…moreThat depends on what you genre like because an interesting thing about Mitchell´s novels is that each of them is pretty much a different genre. "Cloud Atlas" is perhaps his most experimental work. But other than that he has historical fiction, coming of age, speculative fiction, light horror, fantasy/sci-fi, etc. This one reads more like a contemporary fiction but maybe (fake) memoir too. (There are lots of real famous musicians featured in this novel along with the fictional band Utopia Avenue.)

Maybe you are asking in regards to ¨the multiverse¨ and if that is the case, I would still say start by reading a novel that seems interesting to you. They are all connected and if you like puzzles and Easter eggs, it is very satisfying to follow the clues. That said, each novel has an independent plot and stands alone.

So basically what I am saying is that you cannot go wrong. Have fun! ;)

PS-
Please note that "Utopia Avenue" contains major plot spoilers for "The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet." That might be something to consider too.(less)

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