Cloud Atlas.....

[BaconAndAvocado]

Just started this after loads of rave reviews from friends.

Finding it quite a challenging read, should I persevere?

[stargirl1701]

It's the only book I've ever given up on.

[Zappo]

Yes do keep going. The first chapter is quite challenging but subsequent ones much more readable. (Letters from zedelghem is a particularly rollicking chapter)

I attempted this book several times (always giving up during the first chapter) before seeing it through.

I must admit I found the middle post apocalyptic book a very hard read and skip read it before charging through the second half at a rate of knots.

[Itsjustafleshwound]

No - didn't like the book at all .... Can't see it working as a film either

[Zappo]

My trick was to save it for my commute. I had a 45 minute bus journey so couldn't get distracted by anything and wasn't too tired. I couldn't read it at home or last thing at night.

[timidviper]

I read it right through but I did find the later parts of it hard going. It is challenging but I hate to give up on a book.

[Loveisblue]

Yes persevere - i am not one for writing long articulate posts. i found it hard going at first but it really stayed with me once I finished it. Looking forward to seeing the film and how it has been interpreted.

[blondiep14]

One of the few books I've ever given up on.
I dust it off and try again every now and then but never get 'sucked in'.

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

I've given up on it three times. But don't tell Cote, or she'll come and moan at me again!

[Clawdy]

We read it at book group and were divided - loving or hating it. Have to say,I thought it was amazing.

[Wolfiefan]

Read it. Hated it. No idea what it was about. Shan't bother with the film!

[bigbadbarry]

Keep going, it is tough but wonderful

[OneHolyCow]

I loved it, so I'd say keep going, it is absolutely worth it.

[steppemum]

hmm, read it to the end. Was Ok, not a book I would recommend.

I did get into it eventually, it was a slow start, but well, not one of my favourites

[PseudoBadger]

I loved it, and I usually have real issues with books written in dialect.

[getoffthecoffeetable]

I persevered and wished I hadn't. Hated it but don't like to give up on a book if I've started it.

[BunnyLebowski]

Tried and gave up on this book 3 different times.

Reading shouldn't be so joyless and bloody exhausting!

[hackmum]

I thought it was fantastic and couldn't put it down. Ignore the naysayers, OP.

[BadBuddha]

I really enjoyed it.... It's definitely different, but was sorry to finish it. DH gave up on it though - it's not to all tastes!

[BadBuddha]

Oh, and I'm not one for plodding on if I'm really not enjoying it - life's too short

[Thewhingingdefective]

It is challenging. I loved it though. Loads of layers to it. I read it for a reading group and it sparked a great discussion which probably cemented it as a 'great book' for me.

I may re-read it before I see the film.

[webwiz]

This is the only book I've ever given up on.

[BaconAndAvocado]

Crikey ! A bit of a Marmite read then?!

I'm about halfway through the first part set in Pacific, and its definitely challenging but beautifully written.

One of my New Years Resolutions is not to persevere with a book if its not shaping up for me. Belonging to a book group and having an increasingly large "to read" pile, life is too short!

That said, I do want to like this book!!

[PseudoBadger]

Rather than give up on the whole book, perhaps people should consider giving up on a strand of the story. Then you can see you if like the next part, and go back if you want.

[CoteDAzur]

Persevere! Yes, it is a challenging read, but also intelligent, ambitious, and very rewarding.

Here is the thread where I talked quite a bit about the themes running through the six stories of Cloud Atlas.

One day, Remus will actually read it and then I'll get to say "I told you so"

[jkklpu]

Hated it; it gets worse not better. Sloosha's crossing is the worst.