The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet by David Mitchell

Jacob's European mindset contrasts greatly with that of the native Japanese, such as Ogawa Uzaemon, yet somehow both characters are relatable. Major power struggles and minor humorous inconveniences are given equal weight in this representation, creating the perception of 'real life' in this fascinating crossroads of cultures. Set at the turn of the nineteenth century, the story takes place on the coast of Japan, alternating between the city of Nagasaki and the coastal island of Dejima, the latter of which is used as a Dutch trading center. Painstakingly researched, Mitchell has created an entire world within the span of these pages, brought to life with extraordinary detail and a complete sense of immersion. Although his moral compass is sound, it doesn't mean he's without faults: despite being pure in motive, he has his moments of weakness (including his one-night stand with a prostitute), and despite the nominal supremacy of his reason, he is often led astray by the whims of his heart.Įven though the hopes, dreams, and machinations of Mitchell's characters form the novel's action, the real primary focus of The Thousand Autumns might be said to be the setting. He's a devout Christian and a moral perfectionist, but this doesn't alienate him from his audience rather, being put in his shoes, the reader grows to despise the corruption of the Dutch East Indies Company just as much as Jacob does. Jacob, like most of Mitchell's characters, is well fleshed-out and eminently relatable while remaining entirely distinct. Instead of drowning his reader in satisfyingly fast action, development, twists, and resolution, Mitchell takes a Tolstoy- or Hugo-like approach, at least for the first half of the novel, which is a slow, thoughtful exposition of de Zoet's life on Dejima. Each of his novels, however, is still extraordinarily distinctive, and The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet is certainly quite different from Mitchell's previous works.

Mitchell is known for writing epic novels that weave together ideas, characters, and entire forms of literature into one great, tightly woven volume, such as his most popular work, Cloud Atlas. Like all of David Mitchell's novels, The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet is an impressive feat that synthesizes several different genres into a cohesive whole that defies traditional literary expectations. Written by people who wish to remain anonymous We are thankful for their contributions and encourage you to make your own. These notes were contributed by members of the GradeSaver community.

The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet by David Mitchell