David Mitchell: Cloud Atlas at 20
Bath Festival are delighted to announce that we have been able to reschedule a visit from author David Mitchell, originally planned for the May Bath Festival, and now taking place on Thursday 3 October, from 7:30pm at The Assembly Rooms.
The genre-defying, Booker-shortlisted, bestselling novel Cloud Atlas is 20 years old this year and to celebrate this anniversary, we’re welcoming its author David Mitchell to Bath for an evening in conversation with author, journalist and composer, Mat Osman (The Ghost Factory).
Cloud Atlas was originally published in 2004 and is comprised of six interconnected tales, each written in a unique style and told from a differing perspective. David will reflect on his literary masterpiece, and what it meant for his writing career. He’ll also discuss the challenges of turning one of the most complex novels into a Hollywood film.
‘I remember so clearly the sheer pleasure of reading Cloud Atlas for the first time. It was one
of those rare books that expand your idea of what literature might be capable of. I’m still in
awe of its scope and ambition, its readability and its heart, so I’m delighted to have a chance
to talk to David about it.’ – Mat Osman
About the speakers
David Mitchell has written eight novels, as well as essays and a novella and has adapted his work for the stage and screen. Cloud Atlas (his third novel) was his breakthrough novel. Shortlisted for the Booker Prize and listed for many other awards. The work was acclaimed by critics and readers alike. He has been nominated for the Booker Prize five times. In 2018, he won The Sunday Times Award for Literary Excellence, given in recognition of a writer’s entire body of work.
Mat Osman is the bassist and founder member of iconic British rock band Suede and a composer of music for TV and films. He also worked as a culture journalist during the noughties, writing about art and travel for papers, magazines and online. He is the author of bestselling novel The Ghost Theatre, published in 2023.
Tickets, £11 (£8 concessions) plus booking fee, from: Bath Festival. Or by phone, 10am to 5pm, Monday to Friday: 01225 463362. Or in person during those hours at Bath Box Office counter, 1a Forum Buildings, St James’ Parade, Bath BA1 1UG.