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A review by explikator
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
adventurous
dark
inspiring
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? Yes
4.5
Piranesi lives in a House, but it's the world to him. It's encapsulating an ocean in its cellars, the top floor is filled with clouds. Apart from the mysterious "Other" that visits the house for two hours a week, he lives alone in the presence of marble statues and birds and fish.
His will of belonging is so strong that his world comes alive for him. The statues share messages with him and the birds usher warnings in their flight patterns.
But - as always - things are not what they seem to be. There is a dark secret hidden and, in some strange way, Piranesi's world and ours are connected.
The author shows - again - what Fantasy is able to do. This book is Fantasy, Magical Realism, Thriller and a profound psychological and philosophical study in only a little more than 200 pages. What a ride!
The only reason I can't give five stars to this book is that it felt like Susanna Clarke was holding back too much. The restrained language she uses and the rigid structure of this story are in the way of a broader, more compelling story. I felt like someone wanted to explain something important to me but dared only to whisper.
But I'm so happy with the ending! Around 50% I was so anxious that the whole world was only a fever phantasy of a dying person. That would be so dissapointing! Thank you, Susanna Clarke, for being more creative.
His will of belonging is so strong that his world comes alive for him. The statues share messages with him and the birds usher warnings in their flight patterns.
But - as always - things are not what they seem to be. There is a dark secret hidden and, in some strange way, Piranesi's world and ours are connected.
The author shows - again - what Fantasy is able to do. This book is Fantasy, Magical Realism, Thriller and a profound psychological and philosophical study in only a little more than 200 pages. What a ride!
The only reason I can't give five stars to this book is that it felt like Susanna Clarke was holding back too much. The restrained language she uses and the rigid structure of this story are in the way of a broader, more compelling story. I felt like someone wanted to explain something important to me but dared only to whisper.