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A review by anoveldestination
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
There was something about this book that kept me reading. The sense of mystery is sustained well throughout this novel, even once information begins to be revealed. I won't reveal much about the story because I think it's better to go into the book blind.
However, I think the mystery could've been maintained while still revealing some information earlier on. Upon the revelations toward the end of the book, the first half of the book felt pointless. I think too long was spent establishing the character and the setting at the expense of the pacing of the plot. I think the pacing would've benefited from revealing slightly more information about the mystery in the first half of the book. Currently, it feels like there's a lot of info dump in the last half of the book, and the focus on the plot towards the end shifts the focus away from the character development the author is trying to show. In summary, I think the plot and characters could've been balanced better throughout the book.
I also don't think the mystery of the novel is dependent on this information being withheld. The mystery comes from the strong writing style and voice. Consequently, I don't see the rationale behind withholding so much information until the last 50 pages. I was also disappointed with the ending. Piranesi is a complex character, but the plot he found himself in felt simple, and the simplistic ending and explanation seemed to diminish his development.
However, I think the mystery could've been maintained while still revealing some information earlier on. Upon the revelations toward the end of the book, the first half of the book felt pointless. I think too long was spent establishing the character and the setting at the expense of the pacing of the plot. I think the pacing would've benefited from revealing slightly more information about the mystery in the first half of the book. Currently, it feels like there's a lot of info dump in the last half of the book, and the focus on the plot towards the end shifts the focus away from the character development the author is trying to show. In summary, I think the plot and characters could've been balanced better throughout the book.
I also don't think the mystery of the novel is dependent on this information being withheld. The mystery comes from the strong writing style and voice. Consequently, I don't see the rationale behind withholding so much information until the last 50 pages. I was also disappointed with the ending. Piranesi is a complex character, but the plot he found himself in felt simple, and the simplistic ending and explanation seemed to diminish his development.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping
Minor: Violence