Join David Mitchell to talk about THE THOUSAND AUTUMNS OF JACOB DE ZOET, our September Book of the Month, on Wed 28 September, 9-10pm

[TillyBookClub]

September's Author of the Month has been named as one of the most influential novelists in the world. David Mitchell has twice been shortlisted for the Booker and his novels attract vast numbers of readers and glowing reviews alike.

His latest book, THE THOUSAND AUTUMNS OF JACOB DE ZOET, is a masterpiece of historical fiction. Set in 1799, in the Japanese trading port of Dejima (run by the Dutch East India Trading Company, it is Japan's only window to the outside world), the novel follows young Dutchman Jacob de Zoet's struggle to win his fortune, battle with corruption and begin his love affair with the beautiful but scarred Japanese midwife who is dangerously close to the local Samurai lord. Ambitious, poetic, pacy, full of detail and immaculately researched - this is a novel that creates a world so fully realised that you become utterly engulfed in its pages.

We have 100 free copies for Mumsnetters - find out more at our book of the month page.

And get your paperback or Kindle version now.

We're delighted that David will be joining us for the chat on Wednesday 28 September 9-10pm. Look forward to seeing you there.

[CalatalieSisters]

Thanks very much for the webchat. It is a real joy to have hundreds of pages of such a beautiful book to look forward to.

[DavidMitchell]

@OliviaMumsnet

Just popping by late as usual

Hello David,

Thanks for joining us.

I am completely mortified that I am so behind on your book which I'm reading on my kindle.

Do you like the idea of e-books rather than hard/paperbacks?

I also sometimes listen to audio books at night which gives me more of a chance to get through things.
I have just looked to see how long the THOUSAND AUTUMNS audio version is , and it's over 18 hours!
Have you heard it? Were you pleased with it?

Forgot your ebook Q, Olivia - yes, they are fine by me, tho' I'm still a book man myself. Reading can be a meditative, intense - spiritual? - experience, and I prefer the vehicle of reading to be an artefact rather than just the words. Not a very rational standpoint I know, and no doubt it shows my age, but it's how I feel. (Tho' as I lugged 10 books around Iceland in my backpack last months, I wasn't too sure...)

[DavidMitchell]

@CalatalieSisters

Thanks very much for the webchat. It is a real joy to have hundreds of pages of such a beautiful book to look forward to.

bless you. It was my pleasure.

[DavidMitchell]

@TillyBookClub

A fascinating discussion night - thanks to everyone for your questions.

David, thank you very very much indeed for coming on and for your thoughtful and insightful answers. Looking forward to seeing what you write next. Please come back and talk about it, whatever it is. Has been a joy and delight to have you here.

Good luck with it all and thanks again.

My pleasure - and thanks to everyone for the thoughtful questions.

[OliviaMumsnet]

Brilliant answers - thank you so much David.