Reviews

Piranesi by Susanna Clarke

stierwood's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Another book I had to put down cause I moved to Spain in the middle of it lol. But I’m SO GLAD I picked it back up again. The House was really looking out for me there. This book was sooo wonderful: couldn’t put it down; insane commentary on the dualistic nature of reality, ideology, and the self; and I found piranesi’s kindness and respect for his world sooo refreshing in a main character. A beautiful puzzle of a book that had me trying to figure out myself as I was figuring out the plot at the same time

hazelnutperson's review against another edition

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

2.0

strawberrysealpup's review against another edition

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4.0

I’ve been wanting to read Piranesi for a while now, ever since I heard someone talk about it online. The concept captured me instantly. But it drew me in even more, the more I thought about it and what the book might contain. Not being able to come up with a reasonable story and assumptions in my own mind, made me so curious. What could this author offer that I haven’t seen before? Clearly she could since it had me contemplating it in silent moments of my days. I have no issues reading predictable books, it often lends to a satisfying and fun read. But not coming up with my own theory for this books ending had me dizzy. I was planning to continue a series I’ve been reading lately.. but I couldn’t wait any longer, I had to start reading this book. And I’m so happy I did.

I was ready for a slow read about ‘the vibes’ and general life and findings about this mysterious place. Much to my surprise, there is a fantastic mystery that unfolds.

This book seems like it’s not for everybody. But something about it captivated me. Just as I had anticipated. The concept just seemed so interesting and every moment was anticipation to see what our main character felt and did. Written in the style of journal entries, contributing to even more interest as this was a big point of the plot. It would be less impactful if it was written in regular chapter format.

I loved this book. This experience. I’m only sad that I finished it so quickly. I couldn’t put it down. I can see this becoming an absolute classic.

talmanesrex's review against another edition

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adventurous funny 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? No

4.0

evaorange's review against another edition

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

2.0

ashleymwisk's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful mysterious reflective medium-paced

5.0

folkhades's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted mysterious 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? It's complicated

4.0

rainbowfishy's review against another edition

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5.0

this book humbled me, it beat my imagination’s ass to a pulp. at first, i didn’t think i was the right kind of reader for this - the descriptions of halls vs stairways vs vestibules, which ones were full of stars vs clouds vs sea, all deeply confused me and began to feel tedious. i had to let go of attempting to make any clear sense of the layout of the world and instead focused on the emotional aspects… one must imagine Piranesi happy. but just when i decided that was when the mystery began to unravel, quickly and satisfyingly, and i truly could NOT put this book down. it went in directions i was wholly not expecting. this is such a singular work - i’ve never read anything like it 

dinnerandamovii's review against another edition

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

5.0

garnethalo's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious reflective medium-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

4.0

Instead of watching a man lose his mind, I enjoyed watching him find it! A wonderfully written story!

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