Reviews

Piranesi by Susanna Clarke

mightyjor's review against another edition

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5.0

5/5 Stars

I have no idea what to say about this book without spoiling it, so let me just say this. I only read it because it came highly recommended by many book reviewers I like. The description itself didn't intrigue me, mostly because I find labyrinths pretty boring to read about and I got the impression that this was going to be some "high literary work of art" that was going to ask more questions than it answered and be condescending and pretentious throughout.

Needless to say, that's not what this is. There's a story here, a brilliant one that ends up being more of a fringe science mystery that involves murder, kidnapping, and lots more cool juicy stuff. Best of all, the story takes place on 2 levels. The surface level story of what's happening is complete and coherent and satisfying and absolutely worth the read. There's another level that's deeper and is designed to be read multiple times to be understood, and I look forward to uncovering that one over the years as I will undoubtedly reread this a dozen times over the rest of my lifetime.

Anyway, go read this book, it's wonderful.

avacopeland257's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious reflective sad medium-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

mockingjay's review against another edition

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

4.0

ayapapaya97's review against another edition

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4.0

4.5 ✨

j_mindelan's review against another edition

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mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

kat7890erina's review against another edition

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4.0

What an unusual story!

At first, I found the plot to be rather flat and I wasn't sure if I could be drawn into the world of The House; it felt like I was just a confused observer.

Whilst the plot remained steady and smooth, the strangeness of what the narrator was experiencing became more immersive.

My rating reflects the feelings that came to me from the narrative: wistfulness, sorrow, and a longing for that other place.

welgan's review against another edition

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mysterious reflective medium-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

4.5

What a strange and delightful story ! It feels like a story of the backrooms, if the backrooms were a cosy (if sea-themed and wet), noble place. 
I enjoyed immensely the first part, where I discovered the House, it's rules, the main character. I liked Piranesi as a character a lot.
I also think the representation of the fragments of identify and the way he referred to them very interesting.

This story could have been very sad, but it is not, thanks to it's main character's good nature and marvel at the world.
I think I would have liked the mystery to last longer, to unveil less quickly, though. I was a bit less interested by the end,
with the return to reality
, but I enjoyed the book as a whole a lot !

hestiashoney's review against another edition

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adventurous funny hopeful inspiring mysterious fast-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

4.75

rogermak's review against another edition

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emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

heyheykk's review against another edition

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mysterious fast-paced

4.0