44 pages 1 hour read

Susanna Clarke

Piranesi

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2020

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Piranesi by Susanna Clarke is an epistolary fantasy novel narrated through first-person journal entries by Matthew Rose Sorensen, also known as Piranesi, who is trapped in a labyrinthine House with grand halls and seas, only remembering this world. He aids another inhabitant, the Other, who seeks arcane knowledge, leading to a journey of self-discovery, identity fragmentation, and eventual partial re-integration into modern society.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Susanna Clarke's Piranesi captivates with its enchanting prose and unique narrative, creating a richly imaginative world that feels both vast and intimate. Some readers found the plot slow and overly enigmatic, but most appreciated its originality and poetic quality. Clarke's talent for world-building and philosophical reflection is widely praised, making this a thought-provoking read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Piranesi?

Piranesi by Susanna Clarke captivates readers who appreciate intricate world-building and intellectual puzzles. Fans of Borges' metaphysical explorations and Neil Gaiman's mythic storytelling in American Gods will find this novel compelling. Its blend of fantasy, mystery, and philosophical depth appeals to those who enjoy profound and enigmatic narratives.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Fantasy

Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction

Mystery / Crime Fiction

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Memory

Values/Ideas: Art