Reviews with content warning for Gun violence - 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 against another edition

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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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aniquegrace's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious reflective fast-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

4.5

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flora_arns's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.0

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chungledown_bim's review against another edition

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adventurous inspiring mysterious fast-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

Incredible! Mystery, action, short but perfectly paced.

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ssweeny's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious reflective 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

4.75

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sunn_bleach's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad medium-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? Yes

4.5

It’s a good problem to have when my biggest criticism is “I wish it were longer”. And I deeply, deeply do - not only to explore the House that is God, but to simply have more time with Piranesi before the plot hits hard, the resolution of which never truly lived up to the conceit. Borgesian is an easy analogy; I found “Piranesi” more abjectly beautiful and celebratory in capital-m Mystery, with the caveat that the epistolary form doesn’t work as well when the action and dialogue pick up in the second half. Sad, contemplative, yet affirming. The last sentence is a gutpunch.

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