Piranesi - Susanna Clarke

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I was persuaded to read this book because everyone was raving about it on BookTok. It doesn't usually persuade me, but this book seemed to be something I would be interested in.

Synopsis

Piranesi is a novel by Susanna Clarke, published in 2020. Set in a surreal and infinite House filled with statues and an ever-changing environment of tides and weather, the story is narrated by its titular character, Piranesi. The House, a vast labyrinth of halls and vestibules, is his home and universe. Piranesi lives a solitary existence, except for visits from another person he calls The Other, searching for a great and secret knowledge believed to be hidden within the House.

Piranesi's life is one of exploration and reverence for the beauty and mystery of the House. He meticulously documents its wonders and cares for the dead, whose remains he finds scattered throughout. The narrative unfolds through journal entries revealing Piranesi's perceptions of his world and interactions with The Other.

As the story progresses, it becomes evident that there is more to both Piranesi's identity and situation than initially meets the eye. The arrival of a new person into the House sets off a series of revelations that unravel the mysteries of Piranesi's existence, his true identity, and the nature of the House itself. This enigmatic and atmospheric novel explores themes of memory, identity, and the nature of reality, which ultimately reveals a deeper narrative of manipulation, discovery, and liberation.

Impressions

My first advice is to read the first third of the book without worrying about what the book is about. It will all become clear later on. It is worth thinking the first part is a dream.

The first chapters, however, will make you fall in love with the world and the main character. Throughout the book, the reader is one step ahead of the protagonist, which I love.

This book is such a thought-provoking story that is deeply philosophical in places. The book will make you examine everything you think about the world and life. It is written beautifully. The descriptions are so vivid that you can imagine yourself there.

Everyone should read this book. It is profound and beautiful. It is a book that I will read again and again.

A book rarely lives up to the hype, but Piranesi does.

Two-Sentence Summary

A thought-provoking fantasy novel which will engulf you in the world. This book will not disappoint in any way.

The world was constantly speaking to Ancient Man. I do not understand why this sentence is in the past tense. The World still speaks to me every day.