David Mitchells first novel, GHOSTWRITTEN, was published in 1999. It was awarded the Mail on Sunday/John Llewellyn Rhys Prize for the best book by a writer under thirty-five, and was also shortlisted for the Guardian First Book Award. His second novel, NUMBER9DREAM, followed in 2001 and was shortlisted for the Booker Prize as well as the James Tait Black Memorial Prize. In 2003, David Mitchell was selected as one of Grantas Best of Young British Novelists. He also returned to Britain from Japan, where he spent several years, and now lives in Ireland.
It knits together science fiction, political thriller and historical pastiche with musical virtuosity and linguistic exuberance: there won't be a bigger, bolder novel this year. -- Justine Jordan Guardian An impeccable dance of genres ... an elegiac, radiant festival of prescience, meditation and entertainment. -- Neel Mukherjee The Times His wildest ride yet ... a singular achievement, from an author of extraordinary ambition and skill -- Matt Thorne Independent on Sunday David Mitchell entices his readers onto a rollercoaster, and at first they wonder if they want to get off. Then - at least in my case - they can't bear the journey to end. -- AS Byatt Guardian Mitchell's storytelling in Cloud Atlas is of the best. I was, appropriately, captivated. -- Lawrence Norfolk Independent The best novel of the year so far ... a thrilling ride of a story -- Philip Hensher Observer Impeccably structured novel of ideas in many voices by a talent to watch. Literary Editor's Best Books, Observer Funny, exciting, imaginative and energetic -- Tim Lott Evening Standard