A review by racheybakey
Piranesi, by Susanna Clarke

dark emotional funny hopeful fast-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

Piranesi is a book about the beauty of the mind, that breaks barriers of understanding around normalising different experiences of reality and mental health. 

The language is accessible throughout, creating visceral images of Piranesi's beautiful world. The main character's voice draws you in from the outset, and although we know relatively little about him, I immediately loved and felt for him. Susanna Clarke has a talent for world building that I have never read before. 

Even when the plot feels unclear, the viscerality of the world kept me hooked. This then leads seamlessly into a complex exploration of what it is to be empathetic to different experiences of reality - an important anti-ableist discussion that is relatively unexplored in fiction. 

An unreal book, first five stars of the year. Can't wait for a re-read to live with Piranesi all over again. 
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