A review by toffeebox
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke

adventurous challenging mysterious 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? Yes

4.25

The books deserves its credits for its observation journal style and mysteriousness but those are its only saving grace.

I was told to "trust the process, trust the characters, etc." Trust should earned from a reader, and not a given.

Trust the process of reading: The confusing movements felt too drawn out for a small payoff. I had to re-start the book midway cause I felt that I've missed out on some key detail about the corpses and then found out it didn't really matter.

Once the idea that there were 2 worlds was disclosed at 50%. the list of gifts from the Other was a dead giveaway. I imagine people who knew about Battersea would be even more bored of this book.

Trust the characters: The villainy was so clumsily written, I had problems believing Piranesi's obedience to the villain.  Also the characterization flip-flops consistently to suit the plot (see major spoiler below)

It's so ironic that Piranesi is a "scientist" is so invested in finding out about himself but dont give 2 shits about Matthew. If Piranesi is all about curiosity and knowledge, why is he so selectively disinterested in his human counterpart? This is just convenient writing because the MC is meant to be Piranesi.