couchreader's review
challenging
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
victoria_4's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
sakisreads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This is definitely not a book I’d usually opt to read, but the otherworldly scenery drew me in! Piranesi’s love for everything was precious 🥹 I enjoyed the shock of finding out about ‘The Other’ as well…
Spoiler
Him being the VILLAIN of the story was a momentary plot twist! 😳I think the story’s meanings and mottos were a little lost on me, as this genre is definitely not one I adore, but I still enjoyed the drama and the imagery. I could see all the Halls so clearly in my head ✨ I would definitely recommend it to some friends who are big fans of this genre 😊
mat882's review
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
dreadpirateshawn's review against another edition
4.0
This is a very creative story that kept me rapt for a week of binge-reading.
I was not a big fan of [b:Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell|14201|Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell|Susanna Clarke|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1357027589l/14201._SY75_.jpg|3921305] -- I respect it, but I found it too long and unfocused and sprawling for me to enjoy. I only mention this because Piranesi is very clearly by the same author, with a similar vibe in many ways, yet I loved this book. For me, Piranesi is what you get if you distill Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell into its core essence.
A fantastically creative setting... a mystery for reader and characters alike... perfect pacing... I highly recommend this book.
I was not a big fan of [b:Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell|14201|Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell|Susanna Clarke|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1357027589l/14201._SY75_.jpg|3921305] -- I respect it, but I found it too long and unfocused and sprawling for me to enjoy. I only mention this because Piranesi is very clearly by the same author, with a similar vibe in many ways, yet I loved this book. For me, Piranesi is what you get if you distill Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell into its core essence.
A fantastically creative setting... a mystery for reader and characters alike... perfect pacing... I highly recommend this book.
oliviareads22's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
ksh's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
hazy_amber's review
3.0
I see how i will be in minority while people are admiring the magic that this book is.
And don’t get me wrong, it’s not bad. It’s good writing and i actually hope it’s picked up as a movie, i can see it turning into a stunning visual. So i can see its merit, but i am not as in awe as most of reviewers appear to be.
So to begin with - recommending it to Ocean at the End of Lane and Circe readers is just a weird combination that doesn’t live to its promise.
Is Circe brought in cause it’s a recent bestseller on Greek mythology and you have mentions of mythology in here?
Why is Ocean... in it i just don’t get altogether, is it water? Is it Gaiman’s more popular thing and he is perceived as a “whimsical” author? Why this recommendation?
Anyway, i absolutely love both Circe and Ocean at the End of the Lane and i think that blurb is doing a marketing disservice when trying to find readers for this book.
So, back to the book - i can see that it would be a perfect read for people who don’t mind uneven narrative and books that don’t attempt to deliver the things that could make it less uneven. This makes it not everyone’s cup of tea for sure.
If it wasn’t for it being my bookclub book, i might’ve just DNFed cause literally nothing happened for like at least one third of a book, and even then it was “something _seems_ to start happening”. I am all in for world building but 100 pages or so in a 275 pages book is a bit of a stretch cause I usually give a book 15-20% to get me into it (but again, bookclub!)
It does create a great romanticized version of how i’d imagine a certain mental condition, but i am not sure how i feel about romanticized versions of mental conditions as of late.
So yeah, i am not disappointed that i read it, but i am not ready to give anything more than a three star.
And don’t get me wrong, it’s not bad. It’s good writing and i actually hope it’s picked up as a movie, i can see it turning into a stunning visual. So i can see its merit, but i am not as in awe as most of reviewers appear to be.
So to begin with - recommending it to Ocean at the End of Lane and Circe readers is just a weird combination that doesn’t live to its promise.
Is Circe brought in cause it’s a recent bestseller on Greek mythology and you have mentions of mythology in here?
Why is Ocean... in it i just don’t get altogether, is it water? Is it Gaiman’s more popular thing and he is perceived as a “whimsical” author? Why this recommendation?
Anyway, i absolutely love both Circe and Ocean at the End of the Lane and i think that blurb is doing a marketing disservice when trying to find readers for this book.
So, back to the book - i can see that it would be a perfect read for people who don’t mind uneven narrative and books that don’t attempt to deliver the things that could make it less uneven. This makes it not everyone’s cup of tea for sure.
If it wasn’t for it being my bookclub book, i might’ve just DNFed cause literally nothing happened for like at least one third of a book, and even then it was “something _seems_ to start happening”. I am all in for world building but 100 pages or so in a 275 pages book is a bit of a stretch cause I usually give a book 15-20% to get me into it (but again, bookclub!)
It does create a great romanticized version of how i’d imagine a certain mental condition, but i am not sure how i feel about romanticized versions of mental conditions as of late.
So yeah, i am not disappointed that i read it, but i am not ready to give anything more than a three star.