Piranesi: Wet Winding Labyrinth Mystery!

[@Nasser851000]

Piranesi is one of those rare books where the atmosphere is more of a character than the main one ;)

[@neiliusflavius]

And that's the sort I love.

[@obi-dawnpenobi1510]

Piranesi will translate beautifully to a stop-motion film, especially in the hands of such talented artists!

[@LunabirdBookclub]

Yes! Completely agree! I'm really excited for this adaptation

[@vathek5958]

I devoured this book in an evening and immediately went out and bought Strange & Norrell without even checking what it was about. Ended up loving it even more. While I still adore Piranesi, JS&MR is a contender for a favourite fantasy book of all time and I’d heartily recommend it to, well, everyone.

[@meikusje]

Piranesi is great, but JS&MN is Clarke's magnum opus, no doubt.

[@quinnholleman1547]

I loved both books and I ended up liking JS&MN more but I can't necessarily say it was better just because both books feel so different to me and scratch different itches

[@rhuntern]

Piranesi is my favorite book of all time. It really skirts the horror setting by giving us a character so deep into positivity and self love.

[@NaritaZaraki]

You know that feeling when your friend is so passionate about a thing you couldn't care less about but you'll listen to them ramble on about it for ages because 1) you love them, and 2) their passion is so infectious it captures you entirely? That's what Piranesi did for me. I was instantly endeared to our protagonist and very quickly enveloped in his love and awe and rituals and wonder for the world. I hadn't realized how starved I'd been for that in my fantasy reading at that time. The sub-genre of fantasy I'd been reading then would have only had this kind of character in order to have a Loss of Innocence arc, where they might come out the other end having found something new and Realer to love and hold on to, but the point of their awe and whimsy was to shatter it. And Susana just ... doesn't do that to my guy. Even when layers are peeled and our understanding of the world and how we found ourselves there is muddled. Piranesi, and the reader in turn, still get to be awestruck and wholly in love with the world and the rituals that sustained Piranesi within it. I really love this book.

[@getoffmeow]

Piranesi's generosity of spirit brought me to tears.

[@embodyingmysticalmac]

It made my heart whole when I read him speak of the real world as he did of the House in the end. How it’s beautiful and provides. I interpreted this as him finally becoming whole again and healing not as Matthew or Piranesi but as both. This book is genuinely inspiring on so many levels. So much darkness yet still containing SO MUCH light 🥹

[@NaritaZaraki]

@@getoffmeow Generosity of spirit really is the best description 😭 The only other book I can think of that evokes this particular feeling is Sayaka Murata's "Convenience Store Woman". You can feel the author holding our protagonist gently and lovingly even as she puts her through ordeals. It's just so kind to both the protagonist and, in turn, the reader. Highly recommend if you haven't read it already and enjoy Literary fiction ☺

[@NaritaZaraki]

@@embodyingmysticalmac Exactly exactly! He's not forced to abandon "Piranesi" in order to heal or be the "real" Matthew or any of that. He gets to be whole!! And he gets to love and find wonder in both worlds and in just living!! 😭

[@HezzahVee]

This has been my favorite book for years now and inspired part of my masters thesis. So magical and also dark.

[@connorhale341]

Cool! What was the topic of the thesis?

[@Scotty-BK]

Oh! Sounds fascinating!

[@andrewp319]

What a cliffhanger! What was your thesis on?

[@HezzahVee]

@connorhale341 @andrewp319 Since you’re curious! The thesis was a fictional work (my masters was in writing) that i boil down to ‘medieval horror fantasy.’ One small part involved a witch’s castle called The House that had a mind of its own. Beyond Piranesi, It took inspo from many of my favorite works including pan’s labyrinth, rosemary’s baby, and the village. Was a fun write for sure!!

[@connorhale341]

@@HezzahVee Sounds awesome!

[@alannapenner37]

I read Jonathan Strange and Mister Norrell when I was in college twelve years ago. Since then, Susanna Clarke has become my only auto-buy author. She deserves all the accolades. She's only written two novels but they're both perfect in my opinion. Quality over quantity.

[@mariareadsssf]

"Piranesi" changed my life. To say I adore it is an understatement. It is my therapy, my spirityal escape, my motivational book. I am now on my own search for the Great and Secret Knowlege of any other books with similar atmosphere.

[@WickedMuse]

If you’ve dabbled in secret knowledge the whole book is really on another level. If you want books - Seth speaks. Or type in Bashar on KZbin 🪄

[@FloRence-gl8fx]

As someone who doesn't read much adult fantasy, I was surprisingly intrigued by Piranesi, and quickly put it on hold at the library. After taking an afternoon to indulge myself in its world, I can gladly say that it was a beautifully melancholy story where the setting itself, brought to life by fascinating description that doesn't overstay its welcome, draws you in smoothly and holds you til its final pages. I am beyond excited to hear that Laika will be animating an adaptation!

[@garnix5427]

I love Piranesi and am so happy you read it! For casting, I think Chiwetel Ejiofor would be perfect for the role as he also read the freaking immaculate audio book. I just imagined him the whole way through. 2:20 Guess I'll have to check out Good Omens and V.E. Schwab as well

[@SomewhatFiction]

Piranesi is such a vibe of a book, wonderfully atmospheric and mysterious.

[@christianmengel8354]

"Caroline and Frankenweenie" to describe Laika really hurt my heart. Like, right in the soul.

[@lauraswinton8458]

I think the thing with Piranesi is beyond the story, characters and the mystery, it’s the ideas and insights that it unlocks that are much more compelling and I think that’s why it’s made such an impact? It was only after I read it I discovered about Susannah Clarke’s own ill health and the themes of isolation and escaping even from oneself into a separate world are so resonant.

[@andrew503]

Piranesi is one of the most charming characters I have read. It was a great joy to read/see the world through his eyes.

[@akeepersjournal622]

You need to read Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell. It's a lot of that same tone from Piranesi but in a huge fantasy volume, with some Good Omens sprinkled in and an incredible sense of humour that not even Abercrombie can match. It's massive, but worth every page.

[@mumsageek1883]

Just finished re-watching the tv adaptation last night. One of the best book adaptations I've seen!

[@czcrossman]

@@akeepersjournal622 I’m a HUGE fan of Piranesi! I’ve read it twice & listened to it twice (Chiwetel Ejiofor’d narration is INCREDIBLE), and it’s one of my favorite fantasy books ever. I just ordered JS & Mr. N from my local bookshop :) Clarke has such a unique and mesmerizing, magical writing style.

[@Ash.s24]

I love this books. It’s my favourite. The character, story and setting has been designed and told in a beautiful way. And I love how all of this come together and can be interpreted to the reader in their own way ❤

[@BepstheBookworm]

What a balanced review, I like it! I am so excited for the Piranesi stop motion film, only Laika could capture that surrealist aesthetic!

[@kb-ih7ni]

Instinctively shouted Coraline when you said Caroline, Daniel.

[@SusanYeske701]

Me too!

[@BenjaminAeveryn]

Glad to see you reviewing one of my favourite books! Something quite important that you missed is that Piranesi is highly metaphorical for the author's experiences living with chronic illness. Even the mystery is secondary to the theme, and I feel approaching it theme-first gives the richest experience.

[@2ToRamble]

MASTERPIECEEEEE! (Dumbledore said, calmly)

[@Tea_and_Arsenic]

Laika is going to do beautifully by Piranesi; they embrace the dark and weird, and don’t sugar coat storyline or misfortune. This adaptation is going to be brilliant.

[@mateakalanj3988]

i read this book in one sitting a few years ago and i couldn't stop thinking about it for days. it's definitely not for everyone, but it left an impact on me that i haven't been able to shake. the subtle discussion of dissociation as a coping mechanism, and the danger of isolation struck me. it's also surprisingly philosophical, especially considering the length. as glad as i am to see it being adapted into a stop-motion film (cannot WAIT to see the tides animated!), i've always thought it would work better as a stage play. i just feel like it has so much depth and potential for that kind of reading.

[@paperboy1116]

3:40 yeah this is why in beta reading or critique, I only offer what I view as strengths and weaknesses while never offering a direct “fix” or “tweak.” End of the day it’s the author’s work and they are likely the best person to write the story they want to write. Otherwise the work can have an incredibly different feel if it’s got too many cooks in the kitchen.

[@thebookwitch895]

I have yet to find a single person who dislikes this book, it's fantastic

[@Taralovescoloring]

👋 hi! 😂 I really disliked this book, found it boring and predictable. That being said I’m glad that others do enjoy it so much

[@thebookwitch895]

@@Taralovescoloring hello!!! I found you then!!! 😂😂 sad to hear you didn't like it but I guess everyone likes different things 🤷‍♀️

[@Dugrath]

I think it had such great potential and it ultimately fell short of what could have been actually more mystical and mysterious. I found it pretty boring overall and it was pretty clear pretty quick who he was and what happened. I'm glad people enjoyed it though! That's the great thing about books, there's a vast amount and plenty out there for each person if one doesn't connect.

[@alexandrupiscu5328]

The most boring book I read last year… Maybe I was not in the right mood… Maybe it is simply not for me… Jonathan Strange was great!

[@lianneeden4873]

Piranesi is one of my all time favourite books! Recently I read House of Leaves and also loved that. I'm starting to think that I just have a weak spot for "the House is alive" as a trope lmao

[@Nasser851000]

The Faun Cover is *Chef's Kiss*

[@rhonwenbaker2448]

It's Pan though, no?

[@thewanderingxs5422]

Love the fact you can recognise the quality of the book, even if you didnt like it that much! 😊

[@viveelreytoday3878]

I honestly respect this book more than I enjoyed it, but I’m excited for what Laika can bring to the table with its adaptation!

[@SparkAce1]

I really enjoy hearing about how your own experiences as an author has added certain perspectives to how you review books. That’s really cool.

[@embodyingmysticalmac]

“The way back will come- wrong book” really got me 😂. Yay for WoT and YAY FOR PIRANESI!

[@stephenking1218]

The beautiful thing about the fantasy genre is that there are so many different ways of telling a story within it, so everyone can find a story style that is their proverbial "cup of tea." The bad thing about the fantasy genre is that there are so many different ways of telling a story within it, so it's nearly inevitable that someone you know and appreciate will recommend a book that you end up wishing you'd not tried to read. I've found the latter to be the case with most of your recommendations, Daniel -- what you suggested I read, I found to be entirely not my "cup of tea." Yet I had another friend recommend Piranesi, and even though I despised Strange & Norrell I gave it a try -- and ended up coming away with exactly the same reaction you discuss here. Thank you! - Stephen K

[@conordempsey8854]

Great book, love to recommend to those who have read classics/literary fiction but don't read fantasy.

[@parkermm]

This book hit me at the perfect time. Right when life was being pieced back together after months of isolation due to “the quarantine” and I was starting a new career. It was honestly kinda cathartic with the parallels in Piranesi’s confusion. I’m unsure if I would enjoy it as much now that I’m not in that headspace, but I’m glad that I found it when I did. In my memory it will still be a 5/5 😁

[@RobotProphetsMoon]

Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell is one of my top favorite books of all time. While Piranesi was very different and didn't hit me the same way, it was a very good mystery and I'm excited to see it in animation 🎉

[@gavinphelan5471]

Best Intro.

[@alvarosager9206]

Gosh I loved Piranesi. It really is so impressively done. I need another book from her badly!

[@TheAwkwardSeven]

Piranesi is one of my favorite books of all time (read in one sitting as well) and I love finding people who also enjoy and respect it, and then recommending that they play Babel, a one person journaling/roleplaying game written by David Blandy about uncovering lost memories in a winding and abandoned labyrinth!

[@Elijah_Gillard]

I really loved Piranesi, I wish there was more of the House, it was so beautiful

[@the_ricku]

I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard at an intro. To add to this, I watch your videos on my tv, and I felt compelled to run across my apartment where my phone was charging from 1% to make this comment.

[@AuthorJacksonDickert]

*shakes head menacingly*

[@naimihero]

I really appreciate this review

[@thejustinwestra]

I honestly thought you’d read Piranesi already! I read it back in 2021 and it has really stuck with me. I recently read Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell which cemented Susanna Clarke as an auto-buy author for me. Such different books but they are both excellent.

[@brycehenson8224]

I found the mystery of getting to the labyrinth very fascinating. It's very difficult to travel too and I would be the person that would devote my life to try to find such a place if it existed. Mysteries and loopholes are the aspects of life and in fantasy that I find most interesting. Great book!

[@zn12914]

i literally bought this book yesterday, perfect timing!

[@collinmcclutchy]

I would actually disagree with saying that this is for advanced readers. I definitely agree that it doesn't have the blockbuster vibe that a Sanderson book has, but this is the kind of book that I can recommend to my friends who don't read a lot but want something fun to read. You don't have to deal with the jargon of a fantasy or sci-fi book, you don't have to memorize a bunch of characters names, and it's not a big 800+ page behemoth that puts people off. I think the vibe of the book is enticing for most media-fans from page 1. Certainly this isn't something that I'd hand to a 12 year old, or my great grandma, but I have recommended it to tons of people who don't read any fantasy and almost all of them have had a great time with it

[@zionthedon7745]

I need to reread this. It's in my top 10 books all time for sure

[@marcos-ll2yr]

This intro is perfect 😂❤

[@Srbthmlnsmth]

I really love the intros and voiceovers you’ve been doing for these sooo good

[@xtieburn]

I think Daniel underestimates audiences. The only reason Id be hesitant to recommend it to anyone, even new readers of fantasy, is that they may not find a piece of fantasy nearly as good for quite a while, and feel a little let down by the genre. but then I do think its easily one of the best books Ive so far read. (and Susanna Clarke one of the best authors.)

[@PaulTheBeav]

I'm about 2/3 of the way through this book right now. Saving this vid for later.

[@kurathchibicrystalkitty5146]

"Caroline" 😖Wait, that was on purpose. Nevermind. Anyway, what I liked most about Piranesi was the atmosphere, and the fact that the house itself is never given an explanation. The mystery of it, and the descriptions both fascinated and disturbed me. Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell is on my to read list, which doesn't mean much since my to read list is 13 pages long, but it's up in the 'I really want to read this' category.

[@losgann]

I thought this book was absolutely delightful. It's felt like a significantly more accessible Annihilation, I'd easily recommend this to anybody wanting to dip their toes into New Weird fiction. I fully agree with wanting to call it an 'easy' read because it just slid into my brain with no resistance from beginning to end but thematically and texturally there is a lot going on.

[@Gcherry64]

I really appreciate you reviewing this book! It's my most recent 5 star read and I really appreciate that while it's not particularly your style you still respect it. Also, just a friendly tip: the name Piranesi comes from the italian architect/artist who was known for painting labyrinth prisons. The pronunciation should be peer-uh-nay-zee because it calls back to the real guy whose name was Piranesi. Totally get why you say peer-ah-nes-ee, but I just wanted to let you know where the name comes from :)

[@mcina001]

Lol always love me an unexpected Wheel of Time reference!

[@3choblast3r4]

It's strange to me that Booktube seems to ignore the allegations against Gaiman. Why is that? Is it because it's really new or hasn't spread yet? I mean, even if you set the accusations of the two girls aside. The man was grooming an 18 year old Stan of his and dated her 2 years later when he was in his mid 40's and she just turned 20. And then the other girl he dated just 2 years ago, she was his babysitter and 23 years old when he's in his 60's.

[@101Waylander]

So?

[@3choblast3r4]

@@101Waylander A big name writer got accused of SA, you'd think that would be bigger news

[@raoulduke2924]

Gonna repeat what I'm seeing in the comments, Johnathan Strange and Mr. Norrell is a very good book, well worth a read if you liked this one.

[@Hellblazer1138Audio]

The audio book is fantastic as well.

[@raoulduke2924]

@@Hellblazer1138Audio Ya that's the version I did. Absolutely loved it.

[@SlowBurnReader]

I almost DNF’d the book, but the ending because I knew it must have been going somewhere pushed me to finish it

[@Nasser851000]

Has Daniel read Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell?

[@serrasedai]

Daniel, have you read Jonathan Strange? If not, I recommend it with my full heart. My favorite fantasy novel in the modern era.

[@kyleLyfe2]

"The way will out but once...wait wrong book" activates all WOT readers

[@Grimscribe732]

Such. A. Good. Book. I hope it doesn't take another 15 years until we get a book from Susanna Clarke. She is such a unique and excellent writer. PS: The audiobook is read by Chiwetel Ejiofor, he gives Piranesi so much character. I can highly recommend the audio version.

[@OnlyTheBestFantasyNovels]

You're right, it's not going for mass audience appeal. For the people fed up with the domination of Tolkien's tropes, or those who need creative fantasy mixed in with their epics to keep things fresh like me, it's an absolute banger. Sucks it didn't capture you in that way!

[@rapha_spi]

Great book

[@bross92]

Shout out to that Dickert opening

[@jamesberloth]

Piranesi is one of my favourtie books. If This Is How You Lose The Time war is similar I migh have to give it a go.

[@Narrative_Ink]

I came to the review for the review and stayed for Jackson the Dickert author of The Quest for the Golden Plunger.

[@aliazhar3734]

0:47 It's pronounced "Coraline".

[@DanielGreeneReviews]

I activate my dyslexia card!

[@aliazhar3734]

@@DanielGreeneReviews It's fine bro.

[@naastyaaaaaaaaa]

​@@aliazhar3734welp, let's be nitpicky all the way then - 'Piranesi' has an Italian origin and is pronounced more like 'piranezi". :)

[@eyedygress5699]

​@@DanielGreeneReviews I will throw in my two cents and say you did also make the common mistake of confusing Frakenweenie with ParaNorman. Stuff happens. Bit of a shame that people forget about ParaNorman because it kinda slaps imo.

[@zc928]

I can’t believe a fantasy KZbinr does not know Neil Gaiman

[@BepstheBookworm]

The wheel of time reference hahahaaaaa!!!! Mwah, brilliant.

[@ellagerasimchuk3717]

@@BepstheBookworm where?

[@BepstheBookworm]

@@ellagerasimchuk3717 He was just about to move on when he said "the door will appear only once" which is a reference to the Aes Sedai raising ceremony! I think Nynaeve is raised to Accepted in book two if you want to see the joke!

[@thebookaura]

Wow, you called me out with the mentioning of people who suggest tweaks to this book, and that the author is brave enough to leave it ambiguous, knowing that would polarize some readers. I feel completely different about this book now.

[@kevingrundhofer5135]

I read this book a few years back and have since only found a handful of people I felt I could recommend it too. It’s fantastic, but is definitely not for everyone.

[@corvidae_s]

How did I get here so early??

[@EstamosSolos]

English or Spanish?

[@Nasser851000]

You must have fallen into another dimension where you can get here earlier than other comments XD

[@fourhand13]

Recently finished this book and came away wishing it was longer if anything, it came so close to scratching an itch but kinda fell flat in the last couple of chapters particularly in terms of character interaction (infinitely glad there was no tacked on romance tho.) Its a good read, and I disagree that it's not a good start for someone just getting into fantasy. It's one of my first fantasy books and it was fine. Looking forward to seeing the stop motion.

[@billyalarie929]

9:59 What was the book!!!!!!!!!

[@Kim_Miller]

“The way back will come but once. Be steadfast.” ― Robert Jordan, The Dragon Reborn

[@tinagarcia3571]

100% agree, i see the art not my thing.

[@Alytakw]

Heeeey I'm new to the channel, but have you read hild by Nicola Griffith? English is not my first language so im struggling a bit and i really want to know your thoughts on it!!

[@jklol1680]

❤

[@Nasser851000]

Has Daniel heard what happened to Neil Gaiman?

[@DanielGreeneReviews]

This was recorded 3 days ago before the news came out.

[@hannahbrennan2131]

What happened to Neil Gaiman?

[@kenabaloyan8798]

​@@hannahbrennan2131alleged sexual assault

[@Nilkantha_Baul]

​@@hannahbrennan2131 Two women in their early 20s (one of them was the nanny who took care of his child during his stay at New Zealand) claimed that Gaiman engaged in rough and degrading, not-so-consensual penetrative sexual acts within their otherwise consensual relationship. However, according to him, they only cuddled and made out in the shower and everything was completely consensual.

[@James-ip7zk]

Fun book. But I wonder when stories are going to stop using amnesia as a plot device, it is exhausting and dissapointing.

[@Days-rh5rs]

2toRamble def got Daniel to read this

[@Taralovescoloring]

I really feel like I’m the only person on the planet who hated this book 😂 glad others enjoyed it though

[@shittymcrvids3119]

I LOVED Piranesi but didn’t like TIHYLTTW at all, weirdly enough

[@ryanfoster2194]

Caroline

[@nelsiegeografo9185]

Oddly enough, I didn't think Piranesi is fantasy, more like Sci-fi with fantastical undertones... Or should it be the other way around? I was bored with Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norell. Great concept but it was such a slog and only got me invested in the last three chapters. But Susanna Clark did way better for this one I think. It is just about right as far as it's length and pace and concept. I enjoyed this book very much.

[@Yellowblam]

It’s creepy af.

[@overtonwindowshopper]

Hmmm I really don’t get the comparison to How to Lose the Time War. I loved Piranessi and DNF’d Time War. Found it boring and extremely overwritten. Piranesi on the other hand was a joy to read, I relished every moment in the halls

[@lauraswinton8458]

Funny comparison, I read Time War and Piraensi in succession. My issue with Time War is that the prose was so breathless and quippy and ‘now’ whereas it needed a greater sense of timelessness to match the story. And then I started Piranesi and it had exactly that timelessness.

[@Aprilpixie]

Wee!

[@zc928]

Calling Piranesi “goofy” says to me that you really didn’t understand his character. I think his pure empathy is the key to this novel.

[@Gcherry64]

I agree that "goofy" isn't quite the right word, but there is a sense that Piranesi begins with a childlike wonder that can feel a little out of place in the dark setting he discovers he is in. I think it makes the dark setting feel even more dark because he feels like such a pure and innocent character.

[@NICKREADSFANTASY]

Read Book of the New Sun.

[@ananyarai3050]

Jackson dickert what are you doing here ????

[@claytongriffith8323]

Originally was going to comment on if Daniel got a new haircut but now i can only think about the upsetting way he pronounced Coraline (it a running gag about how she corrects people who pronounce it that way)

[@bertfechner417]

"The..uh.. lack of respect before LAIKA and CORALINE shown here...uh...staggers me." - Jeff Goldblum/Ian Malcom voice

[@22freedom33]

top 10 coments

[@cabrademora1]

:D

[@ericF-17]

You failed at not sounding pretentious. I don't say this because I hate you or something; I like you, and this was overall a good video. But you sound very pretentious when talking about Sanderson, and you "wouldn't hand it to a 16 year old who's just getting into fantasy." I am a little past "just getting into fantasy" but I am a teenager and I really liked Piranesi, although I didn't love it. Yes like almost any book it's not for everybody but I believe there is still a large audience of people who will like it.

[@timothyheimbach3260]

I love this book. I have absolutely zero interest in the movie.

[@idealsAREisomorphic]

Does anyone take this guy seriously anymore? Amazon is terry goodkinding WoT and he’s happy sitting there.

[@Kikilang60]

Susanna Clarke is the author who appeals to the general public, as opposed to fantasy fans. Her first book (Mr Norrel and Jonathan Strange) went to film quickly. fantasy fans have narrow tastes.

[@Impling]

So here is a weird question. Is it bad that the only reason i am interested in reading this book is that the Film is going to be made by Laika? I am a lover of all of their movies but this book doesn't seem like something i would enjoy. It's very odd feeling for me. Nothing against the book or the author, i just have no interest. But Laika is going to make it into a film and that has made me interesting with at least giving the book a try. I'm trying not to feel bad about not wanting to read it.

[@PaulTheBeav]

You pronounce Piranesi differently than I do. /thumbs down (jk)

[@maltefiebig9673]

I don't get the praise this book receives. I liked the narrative style of the beginning, but after one third it only plays up the mystery without raising interesting questions or giving interesting answers. Worst of all it is terribly paste with the first third being nearly all narration and then the second third being ALL dialogue. This was a short story stretched to a short book and I found it a bloody disrespectful waste of time. There is joy to be had with it, and I can appreciate the good parts and am glad I have read it, but it deserves waaaaay more criticism. I also don't get how anyone could say this lends itself to rereads. Again, the second third is nearly exclusively dialogue then there is NO REVEAL. So it builds to nothing. How is this something you would want to reread?