A review by megansreads
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke

inspiring mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

Wow, this was one of my favorite reads of all time. I jumped into Piranesi without really looking into the plot and I'm glad I did. I think not knowing anything about how things would unfold really helped add to the mystery as it plays out. I had tears in my eyes for the last few chapters. I am not typically a huge fan of fantasy, but this one felt like the exception to the rule. The slight nods to C.S. Lewis' work were great and really helped to set the scene for what was being foreshadowed. 

I always like my English and literature classes best when I was in school, and this is the first book I've read in a long time that had me looking for symbolism and analyzing each chapter once I had finished. This felt like a modern classic in every sense.

 
The addition of a dark academia element really helped knock this one out of the park for me. I've been very into the genre, having read The Secret History, If We Were Villains, and The Maidens, it gave such a wonderful spin to an already delightful and whimsical fantasy. I know I saw a few reviews that felt things seemed a bit unresolved at the end, but I think it added to the melancholic aspect of Piranesi's three selves.
 
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