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What book did you just start?
By Stephanie · 3501 posts · 467 views
By Stephanie · 3501 posts · 467 views
last updated Feb 27, 2024 08:11PM
What Members Thought
The story moved slowly for me at first as I tried to digest all the foreign characters and names, but I eventually didn't want to put it down. Jacob is an unlikely hero, yet I found myself won over by his sincerity and honesty in an alien world populated by greed, underhanded dealings, corruption, and religious intolerance. He is drawn into local politics and an historical mystery after a chance encounter with Orito, a midwife, who he becomes fascinated with.
Mitchell has written a grand epic nov ...more
Mitchell has written a grand epic nov ...more
Despite some complaints of theatrical plot twists, unwieldy exposition, and weak characters, most critics enjoyed Mitchell's latest novel, a fairly conventional page-turner that represents quite a detour from his earlier adventures in style and form. Once the action-packed plot hits its stride, Mitchell's sizzling prose and keen eye for detail plunge readers into the fascinating world of feudal Japan. However, The Thousand Autumns of Jacob De Zoet surpasses the typical historical thriller throug
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Wow. I loved this book. It started slowly and I was a little worried, since I wasn't crazy about Mitchell's previous book, Black Swan Green. But about halfway through the first section, I was completely hooked and I could hardly stand to put the book down last night. (It didn't help that I stopped reading at the end of the second section, which ends on an ominous note.)
I must admit that I read the third (and final) section very quickly this morning, not so much because I was eager to have the b ...more
I must admit that I read the third (and final) section very quickly this morning, not so much because I was eager to have the b ...more
Jul 23, 2010
Sally
marked it as to-read
I stood in a crowded audience of David Mitchell fans at Booksmith on Haight Street in San Francisco in July 2010 to have an opportunity to hear Mitchell read from and talk about his new novel. Although I had to strain to hear his soft-spoken voice, and stand on my tippy toes to get a view of his expressive face, it was exciting to be at this rare appearance of one of my favorite authors. I'm looking forward to reading something altogether different from what he's written before.
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I want my husband to read this book since he was so engrossed in all the books by James Clavell, most known for Shogun, so I don't want to give anything away in a review. But this book was one of the best books I have read in a long time for a historical "meaty" story. The writing is sharp, well crafted, and worth your time!
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Actually I did not finish this book! I have never not finished a book. Thought this book was going to be about Jacob De Zoet and Orito a japanese midwife. Chapters and chapters went by with no mention of either Jacob or Orito. I would not recommend this book. Very disappointed I wasted two weeks.
I liked this book - but got a little lost at times - sometimes a problem with audio books for me.
Mar 09, 2010
Colleen
marked it as to-read
May 13, 2010
The Sassy Bookworm
marked it as to-read
May 28, 2010
Kate
marked it as to-read
Jul 28, 2010
Julie
marked it as to-read
Sep 30, 2010
Terri FL
marked it as to-read
Oct 01, 2010
Das
marked it as to-read
Jan 29, 2011
Patti
marked it as to-read
May 18, 2011
Juny
marked it as to-read
Jul 10, 2011
Debra
added it
