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A review by mikhoest
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
5.0
Explores one idea really thoroughly and in an interesting way, even if that idea is a pretty complicated.
I didn't think I would enjoy the journal structure the whole way through. I thought it would get old. Maybe it would have in another, less interesting novel. The mystery kept me going, and I enjoyed having the main character piecing together the mystery despite not really trying to.
The setting is unique and gives off a dream-like atmosphere that's both creepy and beautiful. On one hand, the place is peaceful and mostly-safe (except for the tides), but on the other, it's so desolate, and the main character is unable to escape from it. The early reveal that people have died there only makes it creepier.
But the fact that this network of hallways is Piranesi's entire world is what's so interesting. He doesn't feel trapped there, the way most people would. He doesn't know anything else. In his mind, he's exploring the known world, and he's always so excited to be doing it. With a protagonist so easy to root for, that's an excellent foundation for a story that gets more intriguing with every little detail revealed. In the end, though, it's still the character of Piranesi that remains the focus, and for good reason.
I was very impressed with this book.
I didn't think I would enjoy the journal structure the whole way through. I thought it would get old. Maybe it would have in another, less interesting novel. The mystery kept me going, and I enjoyed having the main character piecing together the mystery despite not really trying to.
The setting is unique and gives off a dream-like atmosphere that's both creepy and beautiful. On one hand, the place is peaceful and mostly-safe (except for the tides), but on the other, it's so desolate, and the main character is unable to escape from it. The early reveal that people have died there only makes it creepier.
But the fact that this network of hallways is Piranesi's entire world is what's so interesting. He doesn't feel trapped there, the way most people would. He doesn't know anything else. In his mind, he's exploring the known world, and he's always so excited to be doing it. With a protagonist so easy to root for, that's an excellent foundation for a story that gets more intriguing with every little detail revealed. In the end, though, it's still the character of Piranesi that remains the focus, and for good reason.
I was very impressed with this book.