A review by alainral
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke

dark hopeful mysterious reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This became my favorite book the moment I read it. It's a masterpiece and will certainly be taught in classrooms in the future.

It's eloquent. It's insightful. It's philosophical. It's full of allusions and depth. It starts slow, but I was hooked once I started to really savor the imagery and prose.

Piranesi is a really refreshing protagonist. His innocence is delightful but belies a deeper meaning. The mystery and danger is gripping.

I was left with questions and thoughts about memory, colonialism, racism (particularly the noble savage trope), science, the nature of identity and consciousness, and so much more.

The most haunting thing about Piranesi is that there is nothing else I've read that even comes close to it, neither in subject matter or quality.


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