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aristarcodisamo's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Moderate: Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Toxic friendship, Gaslighting, and Kidnapping
Minor: Vomit, Addiction, Cursing, Excrement, and Mental illness
paintinyourwing's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I have to say though, the first third can feel very slow... I definitely felt that it got very interesting by the 60 page mark and from the halfway point I absolutely couldn't put it down! There's a lot of mystery going on, and as Piranesi figures out what's happening, so does the reader. Granted, the reader might pick up on things just a little quicker but Piranesi is such a lovable (and loving) character that I absolutely didn't mind. This is 100% worth the read!
I took two conscious breaks from reading because given the writing style, it can be hard to read it one sitting. I found it was easier to digest all the information in three parts.
Since I've only just finished a few minutes ago, my initial rating (4.75) might change over the next few days.
Graphic: Confinement
Minor: Murder and Excrement
lianaet's review against another edition
- 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? It's complicated
5.0
Also minor spoilers? Kind of? But this book resonated with me towards the end, with the gaslighting, and the realisation of what's really going on - but still feeling a confusing type of way towards that person. As well that Piranesi is forever changed by the House and what he lived through there.
Graphic: Gaslighting, Mental illness, and Kidnapping
Minor: Vomit, Murder, Gun violence, Death, and Excrement
yerfillag's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
Moderate: Death, Gaslighting, and Excrement
Minor: Gun violence
toffishay's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Confinement and Kidnapping
Moderate: Death, Toxic friendship, and Gaslighting
Minor: Violence, Toxic relationship, Slavery, Excrement, Gun violence, and Injury/Injury detail
itsnotalakeitsanocean's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
Things I liked:
- Even though I could predict where the plot was going to go, I still enjoyed reading how it happened. One of the themes of the story is about the destination being more important than the journey, and it takes guts and skill to incorporate it into the plot.
- Clarke does an incredible job of making a liminal space feel lived in by its main character without completely forgoing the fact it is a liminal space.
The magic elements felt believable and thought out without going into too much detail so as to take away the mystique of it all.
Things I didn't like:
- It was a bit of a slow-paced beginning and I think the introduction of The House and Piranesi's daily life in it could have been cut down to one chapter instead of being spread across a couple.
Although I think the open ending suits the book well, I feel like Matthew's return to the real world was wrapped up a bit too quickly and details were just glossed over for the sake of getting the book finished. I'd say I want a sequel but just from the writing, it feels like Clarke wanted this to just be a standalone book which I respect.
Graphic: Gaslighting, Kidnapping, and Confinement
Moderate: Death, Mental illness, and Gun violence
Minor: Vomit and Excrement
00phantom's review against another edition
- 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
If you struggle with existential, reality anxiety. Likely not a good book for you. Triggering for me.
Contains a depiction of something similar to DID or OSDD so also be wary of that.
Writing was amazing. The themes were cool. But just hit too close to home for me in some ways.
Graphic: Mental illness, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , and Confinement
Moderate: Excrement and Vomit
Minor: Child death
earofthedog's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- 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
Graphic: Confinement and Excrement
becca_w_'s review against another edition
- 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? N/A
4.75
Graphic: Gaslighting, Confinement, Death, Toxic friendship, Murder, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Vomit
Minor: Death, Excrement, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, Torture, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Gun violence, Abandonment, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Child death, Cursing, and Mental illness
sunflower7skull's review against another edition
- 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? It's complicated
3.5
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Torture, Death, Abandonment, Confinement, Kidnapping, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Blood, Violence, and Cursing
Minor: Homophobia, Excrement, Mental illness, and Vomit
Warning for amnesia / character not in stable mindset at all!