eventurella's review against another edition
4.0
Dreamy, luminous, and beautifully written. Susanna Clarke has created a truly lovely book in Piranesi. The book is an epistolary novel told through Piranesi's journal entries. Though I can't say much without spoiling the story, the reader eventually learns over the course of the book that despite his best intentions, Piranesi is not the most reliable narrator...and perhaps that isn't his fault. An intriguing journey to be sure.
I knocked off a star simply for the slightly repetitive description of various vestibules and rooms which took a bit of effort to work through. Overall an enjoyable read that I recommend.
I knocked off a star simply for the slightly repetitive description of various vestibules and rooms which took a bit of effort to work through. Overall an enjoyable read that I recommend.
i_byrne's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Trafficking, and Toxic relationship
mindfulnessmagpie's review against another edition
5.0
I'm trying to be more sparing with five stars, but when I can't find a fault with a book there's little else I can give it.
This is a wonderful puzzle box of a story. It unfolds at just the right pace and I was hooked throughout. The fantasy is subtle but existent and it was genuinely brilliantly written. I loved Strange and Norell, Ladies of Grace Adieu and now this. It was just the right length and finished exactly where it should have.
I was even so captivated I enjoyed calmly flicking through the blank pages at the end after the 'about the author'.
This is a wonderful puzzle box of a story. It unfolds at just the right pace and I was hooked throughout. The fantasy is subtle but existent and it was genuinely brilliantly written. I loved Strange and Norell, Ladies of Grace Adieu and now this. It was just the right length and finished exactly where it should have.
I was even so captivated I enjoyed calmly flicking through the blank pages at the end after the 'about the author'.
wild_sage's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
samudyatha's review against another edition
5.0
Ufff. Haven’t stayed up all night to read a book in decades! Favorite book of the year. So magical. Look forward to dive into this book some day and rediscover the mystical halls and our lovely guide Piranesi.
mullane45's review against another edition
5.0
“Piranesi lives in the House. Perhaps he always has.”
The House where Piranesi lives is an expansive, seemingly never-ending labyrinth of cavernous, baroque halls, each filled with imposing marble statues that take countless different forms. Pass through the halls in any direction, and you will simply find more halls. Below, an ocean – several oceans, perhaps - fill the flooded basement halls, while above, a pristine sky is alive with strange constellations.
Piranesi spends his days in almost total isolation, writing in his diary and documenting his journeys through the House, caring for the bones of the unknown people that lived there before him, and conversing with the resident birds. Soon, though, the serenity of Piranesi’s routine is shattered. Strange events begin to occur, and the threat of another visitor looms large; one who may not have the House’s best interests at heart.
This is another novel that I can’t say too much about, as unravelling its mysteries yourself is part of the joy. Piranesi is a hugely likeable, earnest and empathetic protagonist, and it’s a gentle pleasure to accompany him on his jaunts through his beloved House. His wholesome way of living is appealing; he spends his days in pleasant, rustic solitude and is grateful for every small bounty the House provides. The setting itself only adds to the wonder, and Clarke brings the cool marble halls to such evocative life that you can't help but long to visit yourself. And the more Piranesi uncovers about his world and himself, the more fascinating and captivating it all gets.
A delicious and delicate fantasy-mystery that's perfectly paced and forces you to question what it is you truly value in this world.
The House where Piranesi lives is an expansive, seemingly never-ending labyrinth of cavernous, baroque halls, each filled with imposing marble statues that take countless different forms. Pass through the halls in any direction, and you will simply find more halls. Below, an ocean – several oceans, perhaps - fill the flooded basement halls, while above, a pristine sky is alive with strange constellations.
Piranesi spends his days in almost total isolation, writing in his diary and documenting his journeys through the House, caring for the bones of the unknown people that lived there before him, and conversing with the resident birds. Soon, though, the serenity of Piranesi’s routine is shattered. Strange events begin to occur, and the threat of another visitor looms large; one who may not have the House’s best interests at heart.
This is another novel that I can’t say too much about, as unravelling its mysteries yourself is part of the joy. Piranesi is a hugely likeable, earnest and empathetic protagonist, and it’s a gentle pleasure to accompany him on his jaunts through his beloved House. His wholesome way of living is appealing; he spends his days in pleasant, rustic solitude and is grateful for every small bounty the House provides. The setting itself only adds to the wonder, and Clarke brings the cool marble halls to such evocative life that you can't help but long to visit yourself. And the more Piranesi uncovers about his world and himself, the more fascinating and captivating it all gets.
A delicious and delicate fantasy-mystery that's perfectly paced and forces you to question what it is you truly value in this world.
ingejanse's review against another edition
5.0
Ja hoor. Out with a bang. Zonder twijfel het beste boek dat ik dit jaar las. Van begin tot het einde absurd goed. De hoofdpersoon waar ik alleen maar oneindig veel van kan houden. De héérlijke wereld waar hij (en dus ik) in mag ronddwalen. Het absurd effectieve taalgebruik. De praaaaaaachtige zinnen en observaties. De verhaalontwikkeling. De diepere lagen. Alles. Alles!
Soms vergeet ik dat het kan, een soort-van-fantasyboek dat niet al die absurd irritante eigenschappen van fantasy heeft. Geen tergend eendimensionale karakters. Geen krakkemikkige dialogen. Geen open eindes. Geen halstoeren om het plot sluitend te krijgen (en dan nog steeds honderd steken in de logica laten vallen). Geen constante vragen bij mezelf waarom het boek minimaal de helft te lang is. Niets van dat alles.
De laatste keer dat ik me zo over een fantasyboek voelde, was [b:Perdido Street Station|68494|Perdido Street Station (New Crobuzon, #1)|China Miéville|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1393537963l/68494._SY75_.jpg|3221410] van China Miéville. Dat ik niet wil dat het eindigt. Dat ik na afronding spontaan begin te bidden op een verfilming. Dat ik alle edities wil kopen, liefst zo hoogpolig en geïllustreerd mogelijk. Dat ik alle andere boeken van Susanna Clarke wil lezen. Dat ik de karakters mis. Dat de wereld minder mooi lijkt nu ik dit verhaal niet meer kan inzetten als ultieme joker voor escapisme.
Ik zou serieus niet weten wat er over dit boek te klagen valt. Laten we allen worden als Piranesi, dat we even verwonderd over de wereld zijn als liefdevol richting de ander. Dat we de doden koesteren en de levenden bejubelen. Dan komt alles goed met deze wereld.
Alles.
Soms vergeet ik dat het kan, een soort-van-fantasyboek dat niet al die absurd irritante eigenschappen van fantasy heeft. Geen tergend eendimensionale karakters. Geen krakkemikkige dialogen. Geen open eindes. Geen halstoeren om het plot sluitend te krijgen (en dan nog steeds honderd steken in de logica laten vallen). Geen constante vragen bij mezelf waarom het boek minimaal de helft te lang is. Niets van dat alles.
De laatste keer dat ik me zo over een fantasyboek voelde, was [b:Perdido Street Station|68494|Perdido Street Station (New Crobuzon, #1)|China Miéville|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1393537963l/68494._SY75_.jpg|3221410] van China Miéville. Dat ik niet wil dat het eindigt. Dat ik na afronding spontaan begin te bidden op een verfilming. Dat ik alle edities wil kopen, liefst zo hoogpolig en geïllustreerd mogelijk. Dat ik alle andere boeken van Susanna Clarke wil lezen. Dat ik de karakters mis. Dat de wereld minder mooi lijkt nu ik dit verhaal niet meer kan inzetten als ultieme joker voor escapisme.
Ik zou serieus niet weten wat er over dit boek te klagen valt. Laten we allen worden als Piranesi, dat we even verwonderd over de wereld zijn als liefdevol richting de ander. Dat we de doden koesteren en de levenden bejubelen. Dan komt alles goed met deze wereld.
Alles.
altruest's review against another edition
4.0
An interesting, quick read. I liked the world building and the way the story was meted out slowly. I read this in two sittings which might have colored my views on it, felt like it wrapped up a bit too quick and tidy, I almost wanted to keep things more mysterious to maintain the feeling of the rest of the book. I liked it though!
4/5 stars
4/5 stars