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ericvreadsstuff's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Confinement and Murder
Minor: Gun violence
desiderium_incarnate's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
This was a pretty surprising read. I would say it starts with fantasy, then adds in some dark academia and towards the ends becomes a bit of a thriller. I did not expect that. It was also a quick read and well written.
It gives you a lot to think about, which can be nice.
It gives you a lot to think about, which can be nice.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Fire/Fire injury, Cursing, Mental illness, Death, Child death, Vomit, Toxic friendship, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Kidnapping, Gun violence, Gaslighting, and Confinement
heartlocket's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
slow-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? It's complicated
5.0
I loved getting lost in the world of this book. I was so intrigued by the mystery and couldn’t wait to figure it out. It was atmospheric and addictive in the best way. 100% recommend
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement and Gaslighting
Moderate: Kidnapping and Death
monsty's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
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? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping, Confinement, Gaslighting, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Death, Murder, Gun violence, and Mental illness
Minor: Murder
iaraya's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
slow-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? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic friendship, Kidnapping, Gaslighting, and Confinement
Moderate: Gun violence and Death
clynns's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
slow-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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Gaslighting, and Kidnapping
toffishay's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement and Kidnapping
Moderate: Death, Toxic friendship, and Gaslighting
Minor: Violence, Toxic relationship, Slavery, Excrement, Gun violence, and Injury/Injury detail
akardian's review against another edition
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).
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).
Content Warnings
Minor: Kidnapping, Cursing, Gaslighting, Murder, Violence, Confinement, Death, Gun violence, Mental illness, and Slavery
duck_teeth's review against another edition
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.
P.S., it also starts incredibly slow, which while I found grounding, can very easily come across as boring.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Confinement, and Kidnapping
violerwolf's review against another edition
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Kidnapping, Death, and Confinement
Minor: Child death, Homophobia, Cursing, and Vomit
Somewhat spoilers, kept as vague as possible: