What readers think of Piranesi, plus links to write your own review.

I loved the book, I couldn't put it down. The author's prose was beautiful, you could visualize yourself as being right with the protagonist in the caves, particularly in the first one third of the book. The pace was quick. The only criticism I might have is that the ending was a bit of a "letdown" from the rest of the book.

I would consider that the book would be a good read for a variety of readers; book clubs, adults and young adults. I don't read a lot of magical fantasy books, so I think that even non-fantasy readers would enjoy.

Clarke combines elements of fantasy and mystery in a wholly original and thoroughly intriguing tale. Through the limited point of view of the journal entries of the narrator, mockingly named Piranesi by the "Other," the reader is drawn into a labyrinthine world inhabited by statues and skeletons, and ruled by the tides. The reader senses there is a larger story in play that is slowly and satisfyingly revealed. Ambiguous and atmospheric, I'd recommend this book for readers seeking portals into other worlds, who don't mind being somewhat disoriented upon first entering.

What a remarkable reading experience! I was clueless at what to expect from reading this marvelous book. I did know I was looking for a read that would take me away from the daily bombardment of news about a vicious and unrelenting virus spreading throughout the world. This book took me to a place I could escape this horrible reality for at least a while. I admit I was perplexed as to what I was actually reading about. I was so focused on rationalizing the characters Piranesi and Other that I was missing the wonderful story being told. I would recommend this book to anyone seeking a break from the strife and distress of the alarming news we are being constantly being saturated with and as yet with no end in sight. I plan to reread this book at a more leisurely pace to dwell in the labyrinth of halls, the thousands upon thousands of statues, the tides which thunder up staircases and everything else occurring in the House.

Imagine waking in the middle of a 3D labyrinth populated by only statues, neoclassical architecture, the sea and clouds. It would be confusing at first, certainly, just as the first chapters of Susanna Clarke's new speculative fiction novel are. But as you wander this surreal world with the character Piranesi, you'll become oriented to this strangeness. I use the word 'strange' on purpose. It is a word you might associate with Clarke's Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norell, but be warned, the two books are very different. Piranesi's requires patience, but as its mystery wrapped in fantasy reveals itself, you might, as I did, fall deeply into its thrall. 

I thoroughly enjoyed reading "Piranesi" by Susanna Clarke. The narrator's journal entries are very descriptive, and I got a real sense of what he was feeling as he traverses this huge habitat of halls and statues. I learned right along with him as to where he is and how he came to be there. The characters are well developed, and I found myself empathizing with the narrator and rooting for him to find "happiness". Although the structure of "Piranesi" may not appeal to everyone, if you enjoy sci-fi/fantasy books you must give this one a try.

It is a challenge to say anything about the novel Piranesi without giving the plot away. If you enjoy thinking outside of the box, wondering at the possibilities the world, this treatise on "what could be" is for you. While the numeric identification of the halls in the novel can be tedious, you really do get insight into mind frame of the narrator and protagonist, Piranesi, and the enduring power of the human spirit to see goodness in the world. Stick with it - this is a short read but a gem. Think "Memento" meets Ariadne in the labyrinth.

I loved this book. The characters are well written and stay with you long after you finish the book. The author's descriptions of the halls is amazing and I found that I wanted to explore more with Piranesi. The themes of loneliness and isolation are so relevant to our times today. It is the perfect read.

Piranesi by Susanna Clarke is a surreal marvel of a story. Piranesi lives in a world enclosed by walls, a vast labyrinthine structure confining an ocean, that he names the House. The House contains huge rooms filled with statues and winding halls that connect them. The tides of the ocean sweep through the halls, bringing Piranesi fish and sometimes floods. The only other beings in this world are birds, which occasionally nest in the rooms, skeletons, and a man whom Piranesi names the Other. As the story unwinds, Piranesi becomes aware that the Other comes from a different world, and that there are more of his kind who have visited the House before and may come again. The Other warns Piranesi against these visitors, but as more information becomes available to him, Piranesi wonders if the Other is indeed the wise companion he has always trusted. Then the woman Raphael appears. Who is his friend, and who is his enemy?
Told from the point of view of Piranesi by means of his journal entries, Clarke's novel is full of fabulous imagery and startling revelations. The entries document Piranesi's shifting perceptions as he wanders through the maze of the House and of his own divided mind.
Clarke's poetic language and a compelling plot make the reader's journey through the story mesmerizing. I finished the book in two days because it was so hard to stop reading! I highly recommend the book for those who enjoy literary fantasy and mystery.