Piranesi by Susanna Clarke REVIEW

An utterly spoiler-free endorsment of one of the most mesmerizing novels I've read in recent years.
The other books I mention in this video include Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrel by Susanna Clarke, We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson, and Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer.
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UK & other European readers, buy it on Blackwell's (also an affiliate):
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[@whisperphoenix19]

This was my favourite read of 2020. It just grips you and doesn't let go. It's been over a year since I read it and I still think about it. And I still just want to give Piranesi a hug.

[@adso5728]

I finally read this book, which made it on to my 'to read' list thanks to your description of it, and boy does it live up to the recommendation!! Thanks a bunch for pointing me the way of this book.

[@Robeeh2]

I was so excited and loved the setting and build up, but was sadly disappointed with how the plot turned out, that's just me though ... 🤷 In contrast, I was very satisfied with We Have Always Lived In The Castle

[@jonathonglover6488]

I just finished ‘Piranesi’ and really loved it. I had also read ‘WHALitC’ last week and I love the connection you make between the books. Perfect analogy.

[@xJillie]

I just read this a couple weeks ago! Such a great experience. This was a really good way to talk about it.

[@Notizhefte]

I read this book in February and liked it very much. I had to take a look at my reading month video to recall how I managed to talk about it without spoilers which turned out to be not an easy task. I think that your approach is a very good way to talk about this novel.

[@SpringboardThought]

Interesting comparison with Annihilation. It reminded me a lot of a classic called The Invention of Morel.

[@TheBookchemist]

Didn't know about it - sounds intriguing!

[@warlockofwordsreturnsrb4358]

Aha, a new release, Mattia? How up to the minute. Great review

[@Ematched]

_Piranesi_ was exquisite. For anyone looking for more of her work, check out _The Ladies of Grace Adieu._ It's a collection of stories from the world of _Jonathan Strange_ that didn't make it into the novels. They're tremendous fun.

[@kidcuisine5175]

I found out about this one from a jacob geller video. it was fantastic, especially when connected to paranesi's imaginary prison prints

[@heymeRaj]

I loved Piranesi! Also check out The Contortionist's Handbook by Craig Clevenger - as perfect a voice you can get and as compelling a narrative. It has been a sleeper hit and is exceptional.

[@d-5037]

Interesting comparisons. While reading Piranesi it didn't remind me of We Have Always Lived in the Castle but now that you mentioned it I can see it. I'd compare it to Borges, and also Blake Crouch came to mind. Though Piranesi is definitely a unique experience.

[@TheBookchemist]

I can see the Borges correction!

[@hanaalfayez7150]

I read Piranesi at the last week and I think it might be on my favorites list for 2022😀

[@GuiltyFeat]

Great review. The comparison with Annihilation didn’t occur to me, but I think you make a good case. Still too scared to read Shirley Jackson so I’ll just take your word for that one. I loved Piranesi and am recommending it widely also.

[@rockyscarlet]

I'm glad you are recommending this, I had some doubts, now I will buy it

[@oopsgirl44]

I just got my copy! So excited to get started

[@firestarter7680]

I hope one day you will make a review of abbacinante from cartarescu

[@riccardolabella5330]

ok, you had me on Annihilation. I'll get it.

[@yomin2162]

The book I'd compare Piranesi to is actually Jon Krakauer's Into The Wild. While it's easy to see the protagonist as an unreliable narrator and the plot as a puzzle to be solved, that would fall into the same trap as Valentine Ketterley. I think what Susanne Clarke excelled at was describing a pure soul and his innocent and boundless reverence to the labyrinth. A person who lives in solitude but is never alone, and an appreciation for the beauty of a world beyond its utilitarian purpose.

[@GeorgeMillerUSA]

Please do more DeLillo and Barth.

[@cheeseandonions9558]

Liiked 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.

[@kjetil_]

I am going to read it. And love it. Thanks Mattia :)

[@riccardolabella5330]

letto. davvero bello. Annihilation, è vero, qualcosa, senza la conturbante violenza biologica di A., più etereo e intellettuale, dolce, malinconico, non disperante ma comunque triste, e allo stesso tempo caldo e affettuoso; nel disorientamento infantile del protagonista - nella sua traiettoria, e nel suo epilogo - c'è qualcosa della tragedia di Algernon, dal romanzo di Keyes, che adoro. mi è piaciuto un sacco. grazie del prezioso suggerimento. oh, già. ti seguo su instagram, ma uff, disapprovo la tua inattività. sei pessimo a usare i social per promuovere il tuo lavoro, che è bello e merita.

[@cryingaboutbooks]

yeeeeees this was definitely a favorite of the year for me!

[@aliprcdmrn19]

you see clouds and nothing wrong with that as clouds there are but for the unassured, better to try to see beyond the clouds, or if they try so they'd see what's not there or what is not even clear and defined?! I wonder btw, nice review )

[@lynndemarest1902]

Try THE SOUL GENE

[@LarryHasOpinions]

not sure about the annihilation comparison even though i have liked both :-D

[@vanishing_girl]

amazing novel!

[@AliaFast]

Hello, great review, thank you. Does the book have any LGTBQ... character or theme? Or any hint?

[@TheBookchemist]

I seem to remember that there are LGBT characters, but I could not say how "prominent" this feature is to their characterization (or to the novel at large)!

[@makichas]

haha ✌️

[@kellyolds]

Absolute snooze fest of a book if someone sold you on this book i would like to sell things to you