David Mitchell, Cloud Atlas (2004)

Synopsis

Cloud Atlas, a 2004 novel by David Mitchell, weaves six interconnected storylines that span several centuries and continents. While the individual stories differ significantly in topic and character, they stress the deep connection and shared history of mankind. The fifth story, “An Orison of Somni-451,” occurs some years in the future in a dystopian state called Nea So Copros. Somni-451 is a fabricant, a type of clone designed to supply cheap labor. The government manipulates the fabricants’ intellect and consciousness so that they obey every routine and command without any semblance of original thought. Somni, however, begins to gain cognitive function; she is subsequently taken from the restaurant where she works by a professor and his students, who interview her in the hope of assisting her “ascension.” Eventually, these men reveal that they are working for an anti-government organization as the government arrests the professor. She escapes with a student and learns that the group plans to bring all fabricants to ascension in order to disrupt the supply of laborers that support the government. Somni writes a speech to inspire rebellion, but is arrested shortly thereafter in a government operation. She suspects her the series of events was completely coordinated by the government in order to trigger increased fear of fabricants, but she remains hopeful that her story will inspire a better life for fabricants in the future.

Letters from Zedelghem, the second story, is told in the form of letters from struggling composer Robert Frobisher to his lover, Rufus Sixsmith. Frobisher, in a desperate attempt to search for inspiration, becomes an assistant Vyvyan Arys, a once renowned composer whose health is failing. Frobisher uses the basic melodies dictated by Arys as inspiration for new compositions. This gives Frobisher a new muse to create music for. At the same time, Frobisher begins an affair with Arys' wife. As Frobisher continues to study with Arys, he begins writing The Cloud Atlas Sextet. Arys attempts to take credit for Frobisher's work by blackmailing him with the information that he is a bisexual adulterer. Because of this, Frobisher finishes his composition and commits suicide, having no more reason to live.

Themes

“The Orison of Somni-451” describes the life and experiences of a clone, yet explores the connections and compassion of humanity in a deeply profound manner. Somni has a birthmark on her shoulder, the same one that five other characters in Cloud Atlas also possess; these characters are reincarnations of one another. While Somni is a genetically reproduced clone, the birthmark is a symbol of this reincarnation and the connection she shares with the rest of mankind despite her status as a lowly fabricant. Somni’s orison eventually inspires change in the next story, as Zachry watches it with fascination, but does not understand her language. This emotional and spiritual connection, without communication or other methods of coordination, demonstrate the deep connections across humanity no matter the time period, place, or society.