Reviews with content warning for Violence - Piranesi

There was something about this book that kept me reading. The sense of mystery is sustained well throughout this novel, even once information begins to be revealed. I won't reveal much about the story because I think it's better to go into the book blind.

However, I think the mystery could've been maintained while still revealing some information earlier on. Upon the revelations toward the end of the book, the first half of the book felt pointless. I think too long was spent establishing the character and the setting at the expense of the pacing of the plot. I think the pacing would've benefited from revealing slightly more information about the mystery in the first half of the book. Currently, it feels like there's a lot of info dump in the last half of the book, and the focus on the plot towards the end shifts the focus away from the character development the author is trying to show. In summary, I think the plot and characters could've been balanced better throughout the book.

I also don't think the mystery of the novel is dependent on this information being withheld. The mystery comes from the strong writing style and voice. Consequently, I don't see the rationale behind withholding so much information until the last 50 pages. I was also disappointed with the ending. Piranesi is a complex character, but the plot he found himself in felt simple, and the simplistic ending and explanation seemed to diminish his development.

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literaryscouser's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny mysterious sad tense medium-paced

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? Yes

4.75

This book is a little wild. The magical realism and religious undertones make for a wonderful combination. Honestly, I feel like if I go into too much detail I might spoil something, as there is a part of me still unsure about what I read- in the best way possible.

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fraxisle's review against another edition

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dark inspiring 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? Yes

3.75

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kimtazo's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

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mim_flowers's review against another edition

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hopeful mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

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daniellekat's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

A perfect blend for readers who love character books and readers who love plot books.
It’s been a while since I’ve read a book that I couldn’t put down. The beginning was confusing and slow, but the writing was worth pushing through. I’m glad I didn’t know much about this going in because I think that really helped me enjoy it and reflect on it. I wasn’t sure about the ending as soon as I had finished, but going back to read it again made me bump up my original rating.

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sacath's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This beautifully written novel follows Piranesi, our curiouslg innocent narrator and guide through the wonderful world of the House, and how he comes to understand the past, the present, and the future. The reader comes away with a new understanding of hope and sorrow, and how the two are oh-so-delicately intertwined.

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penofpossibilities's review against another edition

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mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot

4.5

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