Reviews with content warning for Violence - Piranesi

I don't know how I feel about Piranesi. I feel like it's the kind of book that you have to sit on. I'm still pretty kinda confused after reading. The basic story was obvious the 'mystery' was simple. I am left wondering if I'm missing some big philosophical question that this book poses, which just went completely over my head.

I did enjoy the book. I had a good time reading it. I liked the Labyrinth. I found it to be peaceful, beautiful, and calming. To me, Piranesi was a simpler lifestyle where the focus was survival/needs but overall peaceful. And in comparison Other was modern times - cruel, violent, and chaotic. Maybe it's supposed to be a metaphor for finding peace and a sense of purpose in religion/worship of whoever/whatever. That it's about the act itself, not the specifics.

Or maybe I'm trying to assign a deeper meeting into a book that's supposed to be surface level. Overall, I did like the book even though it's going to give me an existential crisis.

Content Warnings

bbmaan's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

4.0

Content Warnings

astoriareader's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous inspiring mysterious reflective fast-paced

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

5.0

SYNOPSIS

I don’t want to spoil anything about the book. Usually, I write a very short synopsis in my own words for all of my reviews. For this one, I am going to depart from my usual & urge you to not read the plot description. Go into this book as blind as possible. Trust me, fellow reader 💕

MY THOUGHTS

The beginning is confusing, but I beg you to stick with it. Try to go into this book as blind as possible. As you go through the book, the mystery and the confusion slowly recedes, and it all comes together.
Only 250 pages.
Mix of genres: magical realism, fantasy, mystery.
Themes: religion, loneliness, identity, belonging, home.
The writing is beautiful, unique, imaginative, dreamy, and flower. I can’t wait to read more of Susanna Clarke’s work. This book is a masterclass in plotting, pacing, storytelling, & point of view — simply exquisite.
Narrated in 1st person by Piranesi, the main character. He is soooo well written, likable, & developed. He has a certain childlike innocence about him, and he’s so endearing.
The story itself is so unique & thought-provoking. As it develops, it is like seeing puzzle pieces move together, which I loved!

TL;DR: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️masterpiece. unique & beautiful story. a masterclass in plotting, pacing, storytelling, & point of view — simply exquisite.

Content Warnings

jazjoyner91's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional hopeful informative lighthearted mysterious reflective tense fast-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

This book was mesmerizing. Clarke's weaves a story that sucks you in amd keeps you guessing. I was often in awe of how beautifully she described the locations. I say read this book as soon as possible.

Content Warnings

picaresquedreamer's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective sad tense 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

4.0

Content Warnings

toffishay's review against another edition

Go to review page

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

akardian's review against another edition

Go to review page

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).

Content Warnings

isabellyboo's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark mysterious reflective tense 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

Content Warnings

More...