Scan barcode
olliebooks25's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Emotional abuse, Slavery, and Kidnapping
itsjayprobaby's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I absolutely adored this book. It was near perfect for me, but I found that the beginning was unnecessarily complicated and nonsensical. I totally understand that that's deliberate, and that it becomes clearer as you read, but I struggled with staying hooked because I was reading nonsense.
I'm so glad I did though. For all I found the begining slow and difficult, from around a third of the way in I was absolutely gripped and could not put this book down. I did find the plot a little predictable towards the very end, amd and found the actual ending lacked a little oomph but overall a fantastic, gripping novel with complexity and nuance that made me want it to never end.
I'm so glad I did though. For all I found the begining slow and difficult, from around a third of the way in I was absolutely gripped and could not put this book down. I did find the plot a little predictable towards the very end, amd and found the actual ending lacked a little oomph but overall a fantastic, gripping novel with complexity and nuance that made me want it to never end.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Kidnapping, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Confinement, Cursing, Death, Gun violence, Mental illness, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Suicide, Xenophobia, Excrement, and Vomit
ubetaro's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Kidnapping
magimiel's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-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
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Kidnapping, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Death
javafenn's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-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
5.0
This book was so incredibly strange and then all of a sudden it made sense! Piranesi seems to be from a time long ago but then you realize he is from a time not long ago. He is one of 16 people who have lived with mostly bones as his friends. He documents the labyrinth he occupied and occasionally sees a man he calls the Other. The Other warns him to never speak to anyone else who may come because they are evil and terrible! The book was almost too confusing to start but once things clicked into place all the earlier confusion made so much sense! It’s definitely a book I will read again.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Confinement, Death, Toxic relationship, Kidnapping, Murder, Gaslighting, and Abandonment
purplesapphire's review against another edition
5.0
Has a bit of Starless Sea vibes. It has a dream-like, ephemeral beauty that aches as you read our MC's joy in nothing but that beauty and being alive. He must be protected at all costs. I could see the little dark parts that poked through and you began to piece everything together, and make guesses, since you are just as lost in this world as the MC. Very atmospheric and definitely a great single-sitting read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting
Moderate: Kidnapping
lifeofchrstnlvly's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
I didn't get into Piranesi by Susanna Clarke until about 30% of the way through the book. However, I don't fault the author because she did a great job creating an intriguing world. Once I got past that point, I found myself engrossed in the story and eager to find out what would happen next.
I'm still not entirely sure what my key takeaway from the book is, but perhaps it's about the human need for connection - there's a part of you deep in your heart that longs for companionship and social interaction. Maybe the book also suggests that periods of isolation can be beneficial, allowing us to reflect and become comfortable with ourselves.
It might even be a reminder for me to start journaling again, capturing the mundane details of life so that I can look back and remember who I was. Perhaps it's also about rediscovering my curiosity about people and the unique experiences that have shaped them.
Maybe it's the reminder that throughout our lives, we may become versions of ourselves that feel unfamiliar, but that's a natural part of growth. It's not something we should be afraid of because as people say, "We are the sum of our experiences."
If you're looking for a book with a captivating world and a mysterious atmosphere, even if it's light on plot, then Piranesi might be the perfect choice for you.
I'm still not entirely sure what my key takeaway from the book is, but perhaps it's about the human need for connection - there's a part of you deep in your heart that longs for companionship and social interaction. Maybe the book also suggests that periods of isolation can be beneficial, allowing us to reflect and become comfortable with ourselves.
It might even be a reminder for me to start journaling again, capturing the mundane details of life so that I can look back and remember who I was. Perhaps it's also about rediscovering my curiosity about people and the unique experiences that have shaped them.
Maybe it's the reminder that throughout our lives, we may become versions of ourselves that feel unfamiliar, but that's a natural part of growth. It's not something we should be afraid of because as people say, "We are the sum of our experiences."
If you're looking for a book with a captivating world and a mysterious atmosphere, even if it's light on plot, then Piranesi might be the perfect choice for you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Forced institutionalization, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Mental illness and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
takarakei's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
WOW!!!
I personally think this book is best gone into knowing as little as possible. The only thing I would say is be ready for a weird ride. The first 1/3 of the book you are gonna be confused and like "wtf am I reading" but STICK WITH IT!!! It's so hard to even describe this book without giving too much away. I want to read everything anyone has ever written about this book to delve further into analysis of it. I personally am going to be thinking about it for a long time to come.
One of the most unique books I've read also. There's not a strong 'plot' per say, besides the mystery of the world, but trying to piece together what is even going on was enough for me. The ending brought tears to my eyes.
I also find it a good sign when I finish a book and immediately think "I can't wait to reread this"!
I personally think this book is best gone into knowing as little as possible. The only thing I would say is be ready for a weird ride. The first 1/3 of the book you are gonna be confused and like "wtf am I reading" but STICK WITH IT!!! It's so hard to even describe this book without giving too much away. I want to read everything anyone has ever written about this book to delve further into analysis of it. I personally am going to be thinking about it for a long time to come.
One of the most unique books I've read also. There's not a strong 'plot' per say, besides the mystery of the world, but trying to piece together what is even going on was enough for me. The ending brought tears to my eyes.
I also find it a good sign when I finish a book and immediately think "I can't wait to reread this"!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Kidnapping, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Death, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Mental illness, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , and Toxic friendship
Minor: Excrement, Vomit, and Murder
mmarquis1158's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I don’t even really have the words for this book. I’ve never been so quickly sucked into a world like I was when reading the first few pages about the House. It was both comforting and uncertain. I struggle to even describe this book because it’s one of those reads where it leaves you in like a book hangover. Definitely one I will be thinking about long after finishing. And I definitely plan to read it again in the future. I heard someone on TikTok describe this book as not just a story, but an actual work of art. I couldn’t agree more. It was beautiful, emotional, mysterious, and it really gets the reader thinking. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement and Gaslighting
Moderate: Kidnapping
Minor: Death
howdyjordan's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Emotional abuse and Kidnapping