Reviews

I loved this book! Unreliable narrators make for really interesting main characters, and Piranesi was no exception. The author did a fantastic job capturing Piranesi's voice. He was very consistent and felt so real; his childlike innocence and curiosity made him very charismatic, but the dramatic irony (I won't elaborate too much to avoid spoilers) made him a very sad character as well, and I appreciated the contrast. As for the book itself, I thought it had really neat commentary on the concept of identity in one's surroundings, as well as on the impact of cult mentality. I also really enjoyed the prose; it was definitely on the flowery side, but that is my preference. My only complaint about the book would be that the ending felt a little rushed, but ultimately I don't feel like that took away from the quality of the story. Overall, I would highly recommend the book!

jacyndarmawan's review against another edition

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5.0

Absolutely gorgeous. Magical and full of kindness.

This book is perfect in every way. It is imaginative, philosophical, and lyrical. I have never been so transported and utterly spellbound by a story.

I’ll be recommending this to everyone and suggest them to go in with knowing as little as possible about the book. Oh what I would give to read it for the first time again. What I would give to experience the charm, be puzzled, and be mesmerised like the first time, once more.

maiariba's review against another edition

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informative mysterious reflective sad slow-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? It's complicated

4.5

I looooooved this book. The world in which it takes place is strange and beautiful, unlike any other. Piranesi, who narrates in a rather formal tone, describes his surroundings and the people he encounters through his scientific and always loving way of seeing and living. He is adorable and charming.

katherinechase's review against another edition

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5.0

I don’t often leave 5-star reviews, because I reserve them for books that satisfy each of my highest reading criteria: strong character development, beautiful language/writing, and strong emotional response. The emotional response doesn’t necessarily have to be positive, but I need a book to draw me in and make me feel something.
This book satisfied all of these things and more: the prose is like visual poetry, and the story drew me in. It is so unique and wonderful, and I learned so much about life and humanity from this other world in which Piranesi lives.

8797999's review against another edition

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4.0

I found this very interesting, the writing is very good and I found Piranesi very engaging and soothing (along with Chiwetel Ejiofor's narration). But I cant for the life of me understand what the fuck happened lol. It will probably hit me at some point and it is a book I would read again to understand it better.

A quick read that flows by quite nicely.

niuniuyz's review against another edition

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hopeful lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

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

3.5

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