Reviews with content warning for Gaslighting - Piranesi

This book pulled me in and didn't let me go! I haven't stayed up late to read a book in quite a while, and the fact that I did in this case is really telling. I was intrigued by the House and the questions surrounding it and Piranesi's time there. There is a lot of existential joy and atmospheric beauty to behold in these pages, mixed with mystery and intrigue, and the danger inherent in the belief that you are smarter than everyone else or that you are above the World that holds us all. I think that the book drags a little bit when some revelations are made and then the ending wraps things up in a pleasant, but not amazing way given how interesting most of the book is. it's hard to describe: I wasn't disappointed by the ending, but I was surprised. I went into this book knowing next to nothing about the plot and I was pleasantly surprised in many ways. I'll be thinking about this one for weeks to come.

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akardian's review

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mysterious slow-paced

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

3.75

This is a beautifully written book. A lot of space is spent describing the physical space, which you’re seeing through the innocent eyes of the main character. The book was very strange, not in a negative way but I certainly haven’t read another book like it. While it turns into a sort of mystery story, I think the prose would make the book enjoyable on a second read even if you know the plot. Vibe wise I would say it’s similar to the show The OA.
I think you would not like this book if you desire world building, a fast pace, a plot focused book, or a diverse set of characters. I would also advise to look at the trigger warnings (while not major themes of the book, there’s talk of mental health breakdowns, violence, cult activity, abusive mentor/mentee relationships).

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resiii_05's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark mysterious medium-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? It's complicated

4.5

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duck_teeth's review

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adventurous mysterious reflective medium-paced

5.0

Piranesi is almost as beautiful as it is abhorrent; if you are to read this, I beg that you tread carefully. I got so lost that I wasn't sure I'd be able to get out. I had read it at such a pivotal point in my life that I went around insisting others read it without context, as it was just that fascinating. This was juvenile of me. Piranesi reveals abuse and manipulation as it gives way, displaying characters so disgusting and lifeless that they can be nothing less than despised. Piranesi is so stark a contrast that the entire thing feels off. The novel reads like a shard of glass recognizing that it is broken; it is certainly magical, but it isn't for everyone.

P.S., it also starts incredibly slow, which while I found grounding, can very easily come across as boring.

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violerwolf's review

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adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad 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

Susanna Clarke asks the bold question: what if “The Backrooms” wasn’t a boring horror gimmick?

Intriguing mysteries, deep symbolism and philosophical reflection, and a riveting but small cast of characters make this book impossible to put down. I can’t wait to reread it.

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circehighgarden's review

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful sad 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

4.0

The description was too much for me. It was a short novel compared to what I am used to reading, but it really felt so long. I think it's because it was dragged with excessive descriptions of every hall, etc. Surprisingly, I still enjoyed it. Despite the verbosity, the story's underlying charm managed to captivate my interest.

One thing I am certain is that Matthew Rose Sorensen was robbed of his life.

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flora_arns's review

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adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.0

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balina_elah's review

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious 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

4.5

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