Reviews with content warning for Mental illness - Piranesi

Reviews tagging 'Mental illness'

Piranesi by Susanna Clarke

250 reviews

shadow_cat94's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny mysterious reflective fast-paced

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

5.0

This is a book that really delves into the psyche of the character after they're mad to ask about life's priorities when isolated in a liminal space. The surreal environment captures Piranasi's emotions to a thunderous confrontation that left me shaken from the revelations and the fallout.

The peeling of layers that slowly unveiled the truth of Piranesi and this House were beautifully done. The choice of writing in Perpetua typewriting added to the atmosphere of the story. I think this story will stay with me for a while.

Content Warnings

itsjayprobaby's review against another edition

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challenging mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

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

4.25

I absolutely adored this book. It was near perfect for me, but I found that the beginning was unnecessarily complicated and nonsensical. I totally understand that that's deliberate, and that it becomes clearer as you read, but I struggled with staying hooked because I was reading nonsense.

I'm so glad I did though. For all I found the begining slow and difficult, from around a third of the way in I was absolutely gripped and could not put this book down. I did find the plot a little predictable towards the very end, amd and found the actual ending lacked a little oomph but overall a fantastic, gripping novel with complexity and nuance that made me want it to never end.

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lifeofchrstnlvly's review against another edition

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emotional mysterious slow-paced

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

4.75

I didn't get into Piranesi by Susanna Clarke until about 30% of the way through the book. However, I don't fault the author because she did a great job creating an intriguing world. Once I got past that point, I found myself engrossed in the story and eager to find out what would happen next.

I'm still not entirely sure what my key takeaway from the book is, but perhaps it's about the human need for connection - there's a part of you deep in your heart that longs for companionship and social interaction. Maybe the book also suggests that periods of isolation can be beneficial, allowing us to reflect and become comfortable with ourselves.

It might even be a reminder for me to start journaling again, capturing the mundane details of life so that I can look back and remember who I was. Perhaps it's also about rediscovering my curiosity about people and the unique experiences that have shaped them.

Maybe it's the reminder that throughout our lives, we may become versions of ourselves that feel unfamiliar, but that's a natural part of growth. It's not something we should be afraid of because as people say, "We are the sum of our experiences."

If you're looking for a book with a captivating world and a mysterious atmosphere, even if it's light on plot, then Piranesi might be the perfect choice for you.

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takarakei's review against another edition

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challenging dark 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? It's complicated

5.0

WOW!!!

I personally think this book is best gone into knowing as little as possible. The only thing I would say is be ready for a weird ride. The first 1/3 of the book you are gonna be confused and like "wtf am I reading" but STICK WITH IT!!! It's so hard to even describe this book without giving too much away. I want to read everything anyone has ever written about this book to delve further into analysis of it. I personally am going to be thinking about it for a long time to come.

One of the most unique books I've read also. There's not a strong 'plot' per say, besides the mystery of the world, but trying to piece together what is even going on was enough for me. The ending brought tears to my eyes.

I also find it a good sign when I finish a book and immediately think "I can't wait to reread this"!

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laguerrelewis's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

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

5.0

I have never read anything quite like Piranesi. I am certainly eager to read Susanna Clarke’s other work, as I’m incredibly curious as to see what else the imaginative mind that spawned this book can come up with. The prose is beautiful and at times haunting. The way dramatic irony is utilized is masterful. I highly recommend you go in as blind as you can.

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