Reviews

I’m glad that Piranesi knew what was going on because I definitely didn’t.

This book keeps giving and giving building up to a big reveal but then.. poof.. disappointing. The books never really hits the mark but some of the story telling of Piranesis interaction with the house/creatures is beautiful hence the 2 stars.

I hated the introduction of the outside/real world.

anotherbooklady's review against another edition

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5.0

Entry for the 17th in the Seventh Month In The Year the Shipoo Came to the North-Eastern Hall

“Since the World began it is certain that there have existed fifteen people. Possibly there have been more; but I am a scientist and must proceed according to the evidence. Of the fifteen people whose existence is verifiable, only Myself and the Other are now living.”

-Part One, Page 7

I admit, I was a little lost when I started reading this book, but found myself completely absorbed shortly thereafter.

I listened to the Audible narration while I followed along with the hardback book my mother gifted to me this last Christmas. Chiwetel Ejiofor’s reading is masterful and brings Piranesi to life.

Piranesi lives in a house of endless rooms, endless corridors, and an infinite number of statues. There is a vast ocean contained in this house. He believes that only two people exist in this world; himself and a man called The Other. One day Piranesi discovers that another person has come into his house and brings with them an awful truth that will forever change The World he has always known.

carlospatata's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective medium-paced

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

4.5

martinatrevelin's review against another edition

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dark mysterious reflective sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

dbethke01's review against another edition

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challenging inspiring mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

3.5

nataliestorozhenko's review against another edition

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5.0

I loved this book. So beautiful and intriguing. I read the first part of the book looking for clues in statues, descriptions of the halls, the numbers of the halls, tides, and stuff like that. I noticed some cool references from the statues which were entertaining. I just love how this magnificent design of the House plays with your mind. And the writing is immaculate:

"Is it disrespectful to the House to love some Statues more than others? I sometimes ask Myself this question. It is my belief that the House itself loves and blesses equally everything that it has created. Should I try to do the same? Yet, at the same time, I can see that it is in the nature of men to prefer one thing to another, to find one thing more meaningful than another."

I quite didn't expect the turn the book took further on. The feeling I got while reading toward the end was very similar to the feeling I got from the House of Leaves but in a good way. I guess haunting is a good word for it. I really admired the kind personality of the main character and appreciated his respect towards people, life, and the House, no matter the grim circumstances he faced. Which made the ending so beautiful and hopeful.

Definitely worth reading!

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