Cloud Cuckoo Land is 1/3 historical fiction, 1/3 mystery/thriller, and 1/3 sci-fi/fantasy told through 3 different timelines and 5 POVs. The setup makes the first 20% somewhat confusing to read, and I was glad I had a physical copy to flip back and forth. Regardless, Anthony Doerr connects the various characters brilliantly, transporting the readers through many worlds. His writing is so masterful it's easy to connect and sympathize with the characters. Cloud Cuckoo Land is a beautiful chronicle of how each person finds hope when all is seemingly lost.