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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[whisperphoenix]

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.

[adso]

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.

[jonathonglover]

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.

[Robeeh]

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

[xJillie]

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

[warlockofwordsreturnsrb]

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

[SpringboardThought]

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

[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.

[oopsgirl]

I just got my copy! So excited to get started

[rockyscarlet]

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

[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.

[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.

[d-]

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.

[hanaalfayez]

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

[firestarter]

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

[kidcuisine]

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.

[riccardolabella]

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

[yomin]

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.

[kjetil_]

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