PIRANESI - SUSANNA CLARKE | FANTASY BOOK REVIEW

[@carolankorten7598]

This book blew me away! Something that made me fall in love with Piranesi is his approach to survival, it’s full of trust, respect and self-care. He just has such a deep and primal appreciation for everything that doesn’t leave him, and it gives him such wisdom and heart. It was such an interesting read! Most of the time mysterious, then heartwarming, suspenseful and sorrowful. Very wonderful.

[@MaxReads]

Completely agree, he is comfortable in his environment and respectful of the world, and what it provides him. Probably something we can all learn from!

[@carolankorten7598]

Agreed! Max Reads I love your review by the way! Excellent video!

[@inbetweenworlds]

Oh so true!!!!

[@PetiteFrog]

I loved this book too! Just discovered your channel thanks to it. It reminded me of another which I loved called House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski. It’s about a house as well and so much more. You may know it already, if not you may like it too :-)

[@darkwatersart7025]

I read this in one sitting! I was mesmerized, such beautiful prose and deep look at the human condition.

[@MaxReads]

It's pretty rare for me to read something cover to cover without even moving lol, but this was one of those.

[@jokosi]

I had the same experience. Just blasted through it in a day. I've never done that.

[@dimitarpopov974]

Its 4am, and I just finished Piranesi, and went looking for reviews to share my joy of this book.

[@MaxReads]

I'm glad everybody seems to be loving it!

[@anab5308]

Ironically, I wish I could forget this book so I could read it like the fist time again. Might start it tonight, have been waiting since November since I didn’t want to reread it right away.

[@MaxReads]

omg me too! I just want those huge twists all over again for the first time!!!

[@ericasims9607]

I loved this book too. I saw a lot of themes around our connection to the earth, a forgotten connection, that Arne-Sayles work seemed to be referring to. That we had a certain magic (a sense of interconnectedness with plants, animals, the world) that over the generations we have forgotten. To reconnect you simply need to connect back into your child-self. I loved to think of Piranesi as the representation of what we could be if we had a more pure connection to our surroundings.

[@MaxReads]

He definitely was a character for me that represented total innocence.

[@kelliannamaria4553]

I alternated between the physical book and the audio book and no joke... your voice is SO similar to the narrator of the audio book on audible! 😍

[@kelliannamaria4553]

And House of Leaves is the creepier version of Piranesi so I've heard 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@MaxReads]

That's a huge compliment thank you haha

[@cheeseandonions9558]

Liked 60% of this novel even though it made look up the definition of "vestibule" in the first paragraph.... But yes, it's basically a dreamscape of someone who is fascinated with something she saw once in her life and can't forget.

[@MaxReads]

Think if I'd seen something that beautiful I'd be haunted too!

[@mariareadsssf]

My favorite book of all times. Since January 2nd 2021, when I read it for the first time I think about it almost every day. I set out in a quest to find more books with a similar feel and I hope that one day I will find another treasure like "Piranesi". I loved "The House of Asterion" and "The Library of Babel", the short Borgian stories that Inspired Susanna Clarke for this masterpiece. "Tainaroon: Mail from Another City" by Leena Krohn is another open interpretation misterious circumstances work of fiction, but without a clear conclusion.

[@janroland8859]

Piranesi is one of my favorite books too. I recently read Storm-Wake by Lucy Christopher which had a very similar vibe, I recommend it.

[@MaxReads]

Oooh I've not heard of it, I'll check it out!

[@Anna-io8pi]

This book is so good. I got goosepumps while reading and can honestly say it’s become one of my all time favorite novels

[@amaro6603]

I found the main character and the disparity between his innocent perception of the world and that of the reader's quite simmilar to flowers for algernon. Also, as the story progresses, he loses that innocence but gains wisdom. It gave me a similar vibe while reading.

[@gabriellejoypires]

I came here after I finished reading Piranesi - what a beautiful story! Thanks for such a wonderful review, I needed to debrief and to tie things together after reading!

[@MaxReads]

Thanks very much for watching, glad you enjoyed!

[@Ttoby89]

I spread this book out over commuting times (in between places!) cos I thought this was the kind of book you only get to discover once and I wanted it to last. Forever salty that it's not 3x as long. Really wonderful and haunting.

[@MaxReads]

I agree, but also I'm glad they didn't drag it out. The ending was so nice!

[@vincemess]

My entire life I haven't really read much. I did touch some textbooks from time to time when I was in school. This year I just got bored from my daily routine. Wake up, eat, work, eat, sleep. I decided that I needed a hobby. So I brought this book in an online store. Took me 3 days to start reading this after receiving. Turns out, this is the best decision, best spending I did in my entire life. I was so drawn to this book. I couldn't stop reading it. I just finished this book today. Now I'm thinking of buying another book, I'm open for suggestions.

[@MaxReads]

what kind of stuff are you a fan of? I'll try think of some good recs for you!

[@vincemess]

Thank you very much. Since I was a kid, I really loved mysteries. After Piranesi, I found out that I'm a fan of fantasy too.

[@peterpuleo2904]

@@vincemess Try "A Study in Scarlet" by Arthur Conan Doyle. It is the first Sherlock Holmes novel, and it is superb. It is also a mystery.

[@vincemess]

@@peterpuleo2904 thanks! currently reading nevernight. will give it a shot after.

[@peterpuleo2904]

@@vincemess If you enjoy it you can enter the realm of Sherlock Holmes. There are four novels and 56 short stories. I have read all, some twice. Give it a try!

[@jackhanson1713]

I completely agree. I was nervous and excited to read this when it came out - as I loved Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell so much. I was completely entranced by this book, it was magical in a very different way to Strange and Norrell.

[@MaxReads]

Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell is a big pair of shoes to fill!

[@Essinvee]

Great review! Definitely took me a bit longer to get into but once I got to page 50 I couldn’t put it down! And I already can’t stop thinking about it!

[@MaxReads]

Ahhh I'm really glad you liked it!!!!

[@Katevino]

I was also so surprised that he was not a faun. The first time he described his feet and when he talked about the statue i was kinda sad but the rest of the book made it up. Brilliant story. How does one come up with things like these i wonder.

[@DanKaraJordan]

It sounds like you have not read Jorge Luis Borges' Ficciones, which was clearly a strong influence for this novel. If you want to spend more time in places like the House, then you need to check out some of Borges' short stories.

[@MaxReads]

I definitely will. The only thing I've read of Borges is his Book of Imaginary Beings.

[@mamoru1836]

Lovely review! I enjoyed it so much. You're also not alone, I too thought Piranesi would be a faun haha

[@antiagarcia7495]

just finished it. It has made me so happy - specially the ending and fell in love with Piranesi. I nearly got teary at the end. I'll definately re-read it. My only fear now is Ms. Clarke's health won't allow her to publish more soon (I admit I still long for that unfinished sequel of JS & MN). Have you read her collection "The Ladies of Grace Adieu" it contains a story about the raven king, from - supposedly - the children's book about him. It's weird, but Piranesi reminded me of House of Leaves, in themes, but in a totally different tone. Thanks for keeping the review non-spoilery. I started watching while reading, stopped and finished it just after closing book, and I don't think you gave away anything. You've just got a subscriber

[@MaxReads]

I have read that, I love that short story collection! I agree I hope her health stays good so we get some more novels of this calibre! Talented artist and it would be so sad if she only got 2 out!!

[@AvatarJini]

I loved this review! I just finished reading Piranesi and loved it entirely. I'm just upset that it's only over 200 pages long when Johnathan Strange and Mr. Norell was gigantic and thoroughly entertaining, but I guess you can't have everything. One thing I did want to mention was that the tone of the book and the underlying almost sinister vibes kind of reminded me Annihilation by Jeff Vandermeer. It's got a similar inexplicable quality to it, but again, it's not really the same. Anyway, loved the book and enjoyed the review! Now off to find more validation for my emotions . . .

[@MaxReads]

I can see why you got annihilation vibes (I love the Southern Reach trilogy!), for me it also had a slightly similar vibe in terms of the scenery and the weird take on space to "The city and the city" by China Mieville. Thanks for watching I'm glad you liked it!

[@shannakay-vellumandvellich3542]

Hahaha I was also surprised he wasn't a fawn so don't feel bad 🤣 I have been trying not to watch your review until I had mine done, but alas, I could no longer resist. Great job!

[@rmsiever9137]

I'm always hesitant to pick up books that are so beloved. When the prose don't jibe with my wacky brain, I'm left feeling disappointed and "outside." But, you've convinced me, Max. Excellent review.

[@MaxReads]

Yes! It's one everyone should read!

[@ravenswood118]

I LOVE THIS BOOK ARGHHHHHH

[@MaxReads]

Everybody needs to read it!!!

[@crazyforbooksandcoffee]

I adored this book I read it in one sitting. It may well be my best read of 2021

[@MaxReads]

I think as soon as I read it, it jumped straight into my top 5 books ever!

[@jordandaher622]

I want to talk about the symbolism of tarot cards in this book. The possibility of symbolism of the other being a representation of the government and religion. Having a big brother figure to unknowingly blindly accept, pridefully attach ourselves to.. That the house symbolizes our contentment for this blindfold. The last line of the book wasn’t as literal in my understanding. It wasn’t JUST about the houses physical beauty. It was about the bliss of ignorance.

[@jordandaher622]

And not touching on these points is equivalent to much of what i believe to be the greatest layer of this book. In pure sight, going right over our heads. The depth of Peranesi is deeper than the oceans you’re allowing yourselves to visualize. The pressure is powerful and the discussions seeds have been planted but i need to talk about the connections. There is grand meaning to our lives within these pages On a less !!! Note: there’s also connection to hunch back of notre dame I love this book. I want to talk about it Does anyone else see the connections stated? I finally watched the write speak slightly about tarot cards so that was validating but i think it’s far deeper than she explained in the short interview As they say “a good teacher shows you where to look, but not what to see.”

[@Uppernorwood976]

I really loved this book. The build up of the mystery was incredible. The contrast of the ethereal and strange location with very practical and matter-of-fact thoughts of the main character was quite unsettling. No ending was ever going to live up to it, but it was still pretty good.

[@MaxReads]

Idk, I kinda liked the ending in a bittersweet kind of way! Left me feeling melancholy but satisfied!

[@Crina-LudmilaCristeaAuthor]

Hmm, this sounds like a book I might love!

[@MaxReads]

It won the UK women's prize for fiction last week and it totally deserved the award!!

[@Crina-LudmilaCristeaAuthor]

@@MaxReads I've heard she had won. I've yet to check this book out. Maybe at my next trip to the bookstore.🤗

[@SantReads]

I just finished reading the book and I agree with you. This is not really the sort of books I'd generally pick up, but holy shit.

[@MaxReads]

So far I've only seen one negative review! Seems to be pretty universally loved!

[@dejectioncatreads1758]

I don't know this author, but your enthusiasm is contagious! It's on my list now :) Thank you and great review!

[@MaxReads]

Think that definitely means I've done my job properly :) Thanks for watching!!

[@iuditareads4868]

I also loved this. What a remarkable and special book. I thought you did a great job discussing it. I wouldn’t have even attempted it.

[@MaxReads]

Thankyou :) That's really nice of you to say! I loved it too, a heck of a lot.

[@hannahballer2747]

This is amazing that you filmed this on release date! Shoes the love! I still need to finish Johnathan Strange!!

[@MaxReads]

I was waiting for it since it was announced and luckily I got to reserve one the minute they came in as I work at a bookstore haha!

[@hannahballer2747]

@@MaxReads nice! I haven't had an author release a book that if wait in line for, for years! Its sad! Lol

[@ryanolson2308]

Does anybody know who is talking on page 79? Is it just Piranesi hearing random voices from the outside world?

[@jacquelinefaulknall8513]

This book is utterly beautiful.

[@GalacticReads]

I've had this book pre-ordered for months now. The most anticipated book of the year hands down. Comparing it to Neverwhere just makes me asdfghjkl seriously words cannot describe how excited I am!

[@MaxReads]

I had no idea what I was going into but it just drop kicked me in the soul. Urgh so amazing.

[@GalacticReads]

@@MaxReadsahhhh I can't wait to read it, it should be arrived tomorrow :D

[@GalacticReads]

@@MaxReads I finished reading it and 'drop kicked me in the soul' is the most accurate way of describing it. Oh my god.

[@devlyn873]

Loved this book. It reminded me most of Silently And Very Fast by Catherynne M. Valente

[@MaxReads]

Never heard of that one, but I'll be looking it up, thanks for the rec!

[@peterpuleo2904]

Not my kind of book. I was disappointed. It was a huge letdown after "Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell" which was magnificent.

[@MRuby-qb9bd]

I have this one on order! So excited for it! Great Review!

[@MaxReads]

Thankyou! Hope you enjoy it, I couldn't put it down!

[@martinzinn6108]

Very good review...! :) I liked very much how this story became clearer and clearer, by clues, more or less, - so that it grew into a full puzzle in the end...a full puzzle with still a dreamlike ending...I also think it was quite wide for a subjektiv interpretation...

[@MaxReads]

Definitely, this would make a really great book group or discussion read!

[@GetWriteOnIn]

This book was so good! Definitely well worth the read, and certainly worth the wait from Mr. Norrell. Really enjoyed your perspective on this, thanks so much for sharing :)

[@MaxReads]

Let's hope it's not 16 years til the next one haha!

[@PerfumedByTheSea]

I thought he was going to be a fawn too!! I would recommend the Waterstones exclusive edition with the two interviews! I loved Piranesi, and the last chapter. Once read you should google “piranesi’s prisons” and check out the guardian article from November 2002. So much thought went into everything. Will probably read it again in the next week.

[@MaxReads]

I was familiar with the Artist Piranesi so I had a lot of imagery going in as I'd seen his prison drawings before :) The waterstones exclusive is the one I have, I pre-ordered it with them haha

[@tunnelofbooks]

Just saw it yesterday at the store. I wasn't sure if I should get it or not. But now I'm gonna get it soooon

[@MaxReads]

Thankyouuu!! I'm so glad you're going to read it can't wait to hear what you think!

[@russianblob3157]

Thank you for the review! I'm finishing Senlin Ascends and then jumping in on Piranesi!

[@MaxReads]

I hope you enjoy it! I've not heard of Senlin Ascends but I'll be sure to look it up!

[@russianblob3157]

@@MaxReads it's a whimsical tale of a man climbing the tower of babel, each level of the tower contains different kingdoms with their own rules. I found it really good!

[@MaxReads]

Interesting themes already!

[@EleanorNicBhatair]

This sounds amazing, I love how you describe everything!

[@MaxReads]

Thankyou! Helps to be reading a beautiful book!

[@melsbookshelf]

HAHA I was waiting for the twist that he was a fawn but it never came 😂 great review on a great book!

[@MaxReads]

Thanks so much for watching! Can't wait for her next novel!

[@PaulWilkinsonMusician]

Great review :) Looking forward to reading it. Her interest/intuition/inspiration and imagination in the work of Owen Barifled brought me to Piranesi. Best - Paul.

[@MaxReads]

I've not heard of Barifled but I'll be looking him up!

[@leabhairagustae7279]

Loved this book so much! Great review! I now need to get my hands on Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell as soon as possible.

[@MaxReads]

Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell has quite different vibes to this one, it's much more historical with lots of footnotes, but the magic and the fantasy is 10/10 and I loved it sooooo much.

[@leabhairagustae7279]

@@MaxReads I love footnotes! I adored her writing style and I love historical settings so I hope I love it just as much!

[@peterpuleo2904]

After reading the remarks from readers, I am astounded that this sub-par, pretentious, less than mediocre novel should get such praise. Is there a pay roll here? LOL !

[@daltonwsteinert]

I read this in one sitting and I loved it. I know this is a stand-alone but I would honestly love a deeper glimpse at the labyrinth in another novel. Or something.

[@MaxReads]

I think it would be good one day to maybe revisit with another character, but at the end I definitely felt like the Piranesi story was complete. But I could see it being re-explored through other eyes!

[@caleba9648]

Going out tonight to find a copy. This sounds absolutely stunning.

[@MaxReads]

Definitely do! SO incredible!

[@inbetweenworlds]

STUNNING BOOK!!! OMG. I just finished this and it is SUBLIME!!!! AGREEEEEEEE!!!!

[@MaxReads]

Yesss! I'm glad so many people are loving it as much as I did!

[@dlasis]

Why rename it Piranetzi?

[@xNatTheDayDreamerx]

This book is phenomenal

[@MaxReads]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@slowlyred2082]

Nice review 👌 You smashed through that fast.

[@MaxReads]

Sooooo good.

[@whisperphoenix19]

Great review. and the book, ohmygod. it's amazing

[@MaxReads]

I knoooow, Clarke had better win some kind of award for it or I'm gonna be so cross.

[@radiantchristina]

I just finished it this morning...amazing!

[@MaxReads]

I hope Clarke wins some kind of prize for this one, they absolutely deserve it.

[@BOOKSYadaYada]

Ooooooh! Putting it on my TBR.

[@hawaiiantk5865]

This book was terrible. I really wish I could understand how someone could like this. But, to each is own

[@MaxReads]

Interested the other way for me! What did you not like about it?

[@hawaiiantk5865]

@@MaxReads More than the first half of the story dragged and really made no sense as you read it. Then the end of the story is a sub par ending and explanation for everything. It was such a boring read which may have been an ok book had it had a great ending. But it didn't have a great ending. I kept hoping for a crazy twist to make me feel like my time wasn't as wasted as it was. I feel bad saying it but it's probably the worst story that i've ever read. I wanted to like it but it wasn't anything special at all. It seemed like a story made up by a high schooler, written by an adult. Can I ask what about it you did like?

[@MaxReads]

For me the visuals and the scenery, something so beautiful being narrated by somebody so totally innocent. Any story that has a sliver of magic hidden in real life that appeals to the childlike-wonder part of my brain. Especially since some of the story mentions places I'm familiar with, being from London. I like hints at a world that's not fully explained, that make my brain try to build the rest of a world around it. I like the idea of a human that's so not separate from their environment and the piecing together of a past that wasn't what I thought. The hints it dropped with the items that seemed out of place that made me keep building and re-thinking theories. I thought that the ending was to do with how when you go through drastic change its like the person you were before literally dies, and rebuilding who you are objectively knowing about your past but not being influenced by guilt or experiences. I thought it was really really beautifully written and the whole idea seemed like a warm and happy dream to me. A world I wish I could walk through. Have you read Clarke's other novel? If so I'd be interested what you thought of that one, I know they're very different.

[@peterpuleo2904]

@@hawaiiantk5865 I agree.

[@miraclesinthedark3407]

Wonderful review and nice voice 👍🏿

[@MaxReads]

Thankyou! That's a great compliment!

[@dM-ij1we]

Gormenghast by M. Peake. has a similar feel.

[@MaxReads]

Definitely a similar atmosphere. I think Gormenghast wasn't as gripping though it took me like a month to motivate myself to slog through the whole of that lol

[@dM-ij1we]

Max Reads Really! I loved Gormenghast. One one my favourite books. I never found it a slog. It’s beautifully written.

[@MaxReads]

@@dM-ij1we I did get through it at age 17, so maybe I'd appreciate it more now! Might give it another go one day just in case it hits different :)

[@safewithout]

[@MaxReads]