A review by naye
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke

challenging hopeful reflective relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

The audio book us a bit under seven hours, and I found it so enthralling I finished it less than a day after starting it. It's just gorgeous. The narration is exceptional, and the protagonist someone I loved spending time with. The plot is so good, and going in without having any spoilers is definitely the best way to experience it. I really, really loved it - and I loved the resolution. I was afraid that I wouldn't, because it's so easy to weave this kind of beautiful magic, but so difficult to tie it off in a satisfying way. But I really was so satisfied after I finished. And happy. It made me happy to read.

I should also mention that I am really glad I went and looked up "Piraneisi", so that I got that reference. It's never explained in the text, and for others who might not have come across the artist it makes so much sense - and adds a nice visual dimension to the reading experience.