Piranesi
Science Fiction & Fantasy, Fiction, Fiction & Poetry, General Sci Fi & Fantasy
Paperback Published on: 02/09/2021
£8.99
Bookseller Reviews
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A labyrinth of alternative reality...
I’d like to start my review saying that Susanna Clarke has created a unique genre with her historical fantasy books.
“Piranesi “ needs to be read to under... READ MORE
A Labyrinth of Mystery and Magic
(I received an ARC copy from Bloomsbury. This review has only minor spoilers that probably won’t make sense until you read Piranesi.)
For fans of: The N... READ MORE
A short but labyrinthine story...
This is a mysterious book, and it is a book about mysteries. You begin the novel knowing nothing, in the company of a character who, in his own way, unders... READ MORE
Absorbing
A wonderful and surreal tale full of mystery, wonder and survival. A twisting tale that kept me guessing and was ultimately, incredibly satisfying.
This ... READ MORE
I couldn't tear myself away
Do you remember the joy of reading as a child? Getting lost in a story for hours? Not being distracted by your mental to-do list? Realising you’ve stayed u... READ MORE
An incomparably beautiful labyrinth in which you may find yourself...
"The Beauty of the House is immeasurable; its Kindness infinite."
It is difficult to write a review for a book such as Piranesi. It's been a long time sin... READ MORE
Hypnotic, mysterious, enchanting and hauntingly beautiful
Piranesi
“Piranesi lives in the House. Perhaps he always has?”
This was a quotation on the front of my copy of the book and it went round in my head in a... READ MORE
What Is Going On?!
The title of my review basically explains what I was thinking throughout most of this amazing book, I devoured it in one sitting and I was thinking about i... READ MORE
Susanna Clark is a genius!
Piranesi is an utterly surreal and completely compelling experience. Clark has created one of the most genuinely intriguing worlds, narrated by a brilliant... READ MORE
Clarke proves she is a true master at story telling.
Piranesi, for me, is comparable to Neil Gaiman's Ocean at the End of the Lane: the perfect distillation of everything an author is into a concise, haunting... READ MORE
The Perfect Book for New Sci-Fi Readers
Piranesi ending up being not what I was expecting in anyway, and yet, I found myself utterly captivated and enthralled by the story. I have wanted to read ... READ MORE
Piranesi
The long-anticipated second novel by Susanna Clarke, was worth the wait - although as I was lucky enough to receive a proof copy I did not have to wait as ... READ MORE
Perhaps he has always lived here....
Piranesi lives in the House. Perhaps he always has.
In notebooks, day by day, he makes records of its wonders: the labyrinth of halls, the thousands of sta... READ MORE
Beautiful and dream-like
Piranesi lives in a labyrinthine, partially submerged mansion filled with marble statues. He shares the halls with birds, the bones of thirteen other peopl... READ MORE
one of the best books I have read in a while
this took me by surprise. I hadn't read Clarke's other works so I went into it with a blind eye but I loved it so much. Her writing is phenomenal along wit... READ MORE
Masterful
I am still not entirely sure how to talk about this book without spoiling the utter joy of the reading experience as Clarke slowly unravels the story for t... READ MORE
Strange yet Captivating
This book starts out strange with lengthy and confusing descriptions of his world with its never-ending halls, vestibules and statues. It was a bit of a st... READ MORE
Labyrinthine and beguiling in the best possible way
Like so many others, I was intrigued to see what Susanna Clarke's second novel would be like, and I am happy to say that I thoroughly enjoyed it. It tells ... READ MORE
Dark and immersive
This was a really interesting concept brought to life. I adored the main character - he was an absolute tonic - wild and free and yet simultaneously trappe... READ MORE
A very worthy Women’s Prize winner!
Wow, what a book! I am completely surprised by how much I enjoyed Piranesi, which won this year’s Women’s Prize for Fiction. I read a few pages last year w... READ MORE
Enter a magical, slightly terrifying, watery world....
This is Clarke's long-awaited (15 years? I call that very long-awaited.....) follow up to Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell. This, obviously known as the 'diff... READ MORE
A delicate marvel
I think in many ways it must have been pretty intimidating to have been Susanna Clarke after the release of 'Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell'. Here was you... READ MORE
Endless Halls Drowned by the Sea
"Piranesi" is a wonderfully dream-like tale of The House, and the being who resides there, Piranesi, the Child Blessed by The House. A world of endless hal... READ MORE
PURE FANTASY AND ESCAPISM
Pure fantasy, or is it.Piranesi lives in an alternate world full of rooms and statues and the only contact with humans is the Other.Apart that is 13 skelet... READ MORE
Piranesi
I don't want to write too much about the content of the book, because I didn't know anything about it before I started reading and so was able to take the ... READ MORE
Haunting
I'm really not sure where to begin with this review. It's a book like no other. In parts it has the flavour of Somerset Maugham's The Magician, but it's mo... READ MORE
Sad and melancholy, sweet and endearing.
It's been a long time since the ending of a book was my favourite part, but this had me down to the very last word.
Genuinely, the vibes were immaculate. ... READ MORE
An Intriguing Tale With Much To Discuss
There is a childlike innocence about Piranesi as he walks along the Halls in the House.
Statues, tides of the sea & the Stars he has studied, separate but ... READ MORE
Synopsis
Winner of the Women's Prize for Fiction 2021
Shortlisted for the Costa Novel Award 2020
Piranesi lives in the House. Perhaps he always has. In his notebooks, day after day, he makes a clear and careful record of its wonders: the labyrinth of halls, the thousands upon thousands of statues, the tides which thunder up staircases, the clouds which move in slow procession through the upper halls.
On Tuesdays and Fridays Piranesi sees his friend, the Other. At other times he brings tributes of food and waterlilies to the Dead. But mostly, he is alone. Messages begin to appear, scratched out in chalk on the pavements. There is someone new in the House. But who are they and what do they want? Are they a friend or do they bring destruction and madness as the Other claims?
Lost texts must be found; secrets must be uncovered. The world that Piranesi thought he knew is becoming strange and dangerous. The Beauty of the House is immeasurable; its Kindness infinite.
- Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
- ISBN: 9781526622433
- Number of pages: 272
- Weight: 190g
- Dimensions: 198 x 129 mm
Customer Reviews
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Piranesi
I’m not even really sure how to talk about this book yet but here goes.
I am a huge fan of Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, Susanna Clarke's previous book,... READ MORE
Hard going but rewarding
Not going to lie, I did find this hard going - but ultimately rewarding and very pleased I stuck with it.
Initially hard to get into and understand what's... READ MORE
The Windmills of the Mind
This is a strange book which, by the end, left me unsatisfied despite the many excellent reviews from other people. I should say that I listened to it as a... READ MORE
Piranesi stays with you
I have looked forward to this book for a long time, I tried not to read too many spoilers, I’m not sure what I expected but knew there would be surprises a... READ MORE
Strange, but Alluring
Piranesi was a strange read, but one that thrives in its strangeness. When I first started listening to it, I didn’t understand what was going on, but I wa... READ MORE
Lose yourself in the brilliance
This was my most anticipated book of 2020 so no pressure on the author whatsoever…
After the sheer brilliance and uniqueness of Jonathan Strange and Mr Nor... READ MORE
Fantastic Book
Such a fantastic and well-written book. Piranesi is my new favourite releases of 2020. Everything about it was great from creating this world simply known ... READ MORE
Magical and unnerving
This wasn’t my first read by Susanna Clarke so I knew to expect something magical and otherworldly, but “Piranesi” surpassed my expectations. It isn’t abou... READ MORE
Lose yourself in the magic and mystery of Piranesi
I was given this book for Christmas after reading some incredible reviews, the plot was simple and didn’t give anything away so I was intrigued to find out... READ MORE
Magical!
I absolutely loved this book. The creation of the world which Piranesi inhabits, and the gradual reveal of it’s secrets is beautifully done. As some other... READ MORE
Fantasy world like no other
It took me a while to get in to the book, I didn’t read any reviews or blurbs so was a little confused but as the pages went on I was hooked!
Really is a... READ MORE
One
One, when I read books I love love making a whole new map in my head, I love like being in the story and the way everything was described i mean damn.
Oka... READ MORE
Good!
I love the world and atmosphere Anton has created. I love the character the setting the plot all of it.Never thought I would like this author but am thorou... READ MORE
Impossible to describe and even harder to put down
Piranesi is a labyrinth novel that is very hard to explain and even harder to stop reading. I finished this book a number of days ago and still find myself... READ MORE
Atmospheric and affecting
This is an atmospheric and affecting mystery story that marries fantasy and reality. Clarke's prose is lyrical and so readable and plight of the narrator ... READ MORE
Fabulous
Piranesi is a glorious escape of a novel. She has created a fantastical world to get lost into! Even better than "Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell"
Escapism
This is a brilliant book with an endearing main character and a magical setting. That is all I will say for fear of spoiling the story!
The Mind Palace of the author
Piranesi was a completely different genre of book to my usual fare. Fantasy doesn't normally capture my attention. This book was an exception perhaps bec... READ MORE
Enchanting
Piranesi lives in ‘the House’, an enchanting place which seems equally familiar yet mysterious.
A naive and endearing character, he shows an almost relig... READ MORE
Read this so quickly over Xmas
Simple, yet so deep. Easy to read and so beautiful.
Strange and beautiful
Completely unlike anything I've ever read. This totally captivated me and got inside my head. Exquisitely done and quite unforgettable!
Really enjoyed it.
Shorter than Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, but just as good. Wasn't 100% sure exactly what the ending meant though.
Sad and melancholy, sweet and endearing.
It's been a long time since the ending of a book was my favourite part, but this had me down to the very last word.
Genuinely, the vibes were immaculate. ... READ MORE
a masterpiece
I was first introduced to Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell by my dear friend. They were so eager over this book that I simply had to read it! I went out and... READ MORE
New Favourite Book
I read this book in a few hours, I simply could not put it down. The story is so well thought out, and amazing to read. I found myself feeling both proud a... READ MORE
I loved it!
Piranesi, by Susanna Clarke.
Okay, I just finished this book and it was excellent. Equally surreal and haunting It would be hard to ascribe this to a pert... READ MORE
Beautifully written book!
This novel was such an incredible read! I enjoyed every minute of it and couldn’t put it down.
The main character is extremely unique and the type of chara... READ MORE
Such a delightful character
I loved this book.
Piranesi is quite simply a delightful character.
He lives in a house, which is to say he loves in the world...the house and the world ... READ MORE
Absolutely fascinating
Well, I’m not sure how to review this fantastic book without giving too much away! I was confused for probably the first quarter of the book but intrigued!... READ MORE
Fantastic story about the complexity of the human mind in Susanna's uniquely classic storytelling
This is a fantastic story, set in an alternate world inside a house that mirrors a labyrinth due to having so many rooms with their own climates and inhabi... READ MORE
Outstanding!!
Simply one of the best books that I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Utterly thrilling. You dare not even put it down. The story is written so beauti... READ MORE
Enthralling read
Really enjoyable and intriguing. I loved the idea, and could not predict how the plot would turn out. Once I’d got started I just kept reading. The ending ... READ MORE
Sheer bliss
I started my journey with Piranesi with great anticipation. I had expected wonderful things from this book and I wasn’t disappointed. You travel through th... READ MORE
My book of the year
This is such a clever book and the writing is exquisite. This is easily the best book I have read this year and after a few weeks of pestering, all of my f... READ MORE
A Cool Return But Not As Good As Jonathan Strange And Mr Norrell
Don't get me wrong, I liked this novel, but it just didn't hit the same level as Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell. I'm not sure why, I think it might have b... READ MORE
One of a kind
Having had my eye on this book for quite a while - I just was too much intrigued by its cover - I finally got to read it.
I absolutely loved going onto th... READ MORE
...inventive & truly amazing ..
..Piranesi by Susanna Clarke ..
Although I didnt completely understand parts of this novel, I still feel it is an outstanding work of fiction. At some time... READ MORE
A bit predictable but enjoyable read
I enjoyed reading this book and I am glad I didn't know what it was about when I started reading.
It is a light read you can finish in a day or two, but I... READ MORE
Gripping
Once I started I couldn’t stop. Great idea, all very mysterious and enthralling. Highly recommended.
Distressingly frustrating!
Over-complicated and frustrating book. I’m confused at the level of 5 star ratings this has received. Deary me!
A mindblowing and original novel
Susanna Clarke has a reputation for writing beautiful stories, which is remarkable when you consider that "Piranesi" is only her second novel. Following ye... READ MORE
Unlike anything else out there...
To read Piranesi is to understand it... I stayed up half the night to finish this masterpiece and the rest of the night thinking about it... The world was ... READ MORE
Wonderful
A wonderful fanciful story, I couldn’t put I down. I don’t want to go into too much detail as I don’t want to spoil it for other readers.
Beautiful intriguing and unique book
This book is simply unique. It creates an unusual labyrinth world which is sometimes alarming but also strangely comforting that you as a reader can’t help... READ MORE
Finding Our Way Out
Initially, I felt this novel is unlike any other I've ever read, and I wasn't sure what to make of it. . . which is likely the intention of the brilliant S... READ MORE
A Beauty Of A Read
Piranesi lives in the House. Maybe he always has. Maybe he hasn't...
In his notebooks, Piranesi writes carefully about the wonders and mysteries of the H... READ MORE
Perfect
I thoroughly enjoyed Clarke’s first book Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell but with Piranesi she took things to a whole other level. My favourite book of 202... READ MORE
Amazingly weird
This book has a really clever central concept which keeps you guessing and draws you in. The central character is well defined and guides you through the ... READ MORE
Susanna Clarke does it again
What a great book! It would have been 5 stars for me up until the end - it just didn't feel like enough.
For me, this was first and foremost a mystery, an... READ MORE
My favorite book of all times
This book is like nothing else I read before. I loved the many layers and posible interpretations. The elements of philosophy, mithology, simbolism as well... READ MORE
Mesmerizing
This is a superb example of an authors ability to create a world that is both surreal and believable. The character of Piranesi is sweet-souled and clever ... READ MORE
Life in the labyrinth.
I loved this book! Susanna Clarke ably assisted by Chiwetel Ejiofor, who does a wonderful job of narrating her book, has written a masterpiece. It's a stud... READ MORE
Not What I Expected
I did very much enjoy our Piranesi, what a delightfully unique character in a very unique situation.
It’s more of a mystery that hides under the daily lif... READ MORE
amazing
i have nothing to say except that this book was amazing, just read it
Dull and disappointing
Unfortunately, this book was not for me. It was so dull that I zoned out multiple times. However this actually made no impact to my enjoyment (or lack ther... READ MORE
Infuriating
And unconvincing, how is it so highly rated!
excellent read
“Perhaps that is what it is like being with other people. Perhaps even people you like and admire immensely can make you see the World in ways you would ra... READ MORE
I hated it sorry
I loved jonathan strange hence being excited about a new book. I just did not like it at all. I spent the whole time waiting for the point. The book feels ... READ MORE
mysterious and enchanting, like nothing I ever read
t took me a while to write this review, to think about the multitude of this story, condensed in such few pages.
This, once again, was recommended by the l... READ MORE
A book as beautiful as it’s cover.
Do you ever get books solely based on the cover?
I do haha! That’s the reason I picked up Piranesi by Susanna Clarke. Although the cover suggests a greek ... READ MORE
Interesting but it’s Norrell & Strange that I’ll keep re-reading
I really enjoyed Susanna’s previous novel, Norrell & Strange so I was looking forward to reading this one. The fact that I didn’t enjoy it as much made me ... READ MORE
Strange but true.
Piranesi was a difficult book to get to grips with, but having persisted, I was rewarded by a rich and multilayered novel, well worth the effort.
Don't pass this by
I cannot imagine anyone regretting reading this book. Just stunning!
Infinitely mystical
The depth and poetic form has been masterfully structured. The persona of the writer shows all the human traits, love, loss, curiosity and humour. You need... READ MORE
Easily read in one sitting...
Purchased to read as it was shortlisted for the Women's Prize for fiction 2021.
Readers have resisted spoiling the plot in the vast majority of cases so I... READ MORE
Loved this
Such a great book! Definitely one of my favourites and will read more by Susanna Clarke in the future
A Beautiful Picture of a tragic character
I found it to be a fun read, the world feels like it exists whether the author wrote about it or not. I find it very easy to visualise the halls and the wo... READ MORE