A review by mullane45
Piranesi, by Susanna Clarke
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.