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249
Novel • Fiction
Infinite House • Timeless Realm
2020
Adult
18+ years
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.
Mysterious
Contemplative
Serene
Bittersweet
Fantastical
352,279 ratings
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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.
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.
352,279 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Piranesi
The name given to the narrator by another character, inspired by an Italian artist associated with labyrinths, symbolizing a separate identity while in the labyrinth.
Matthew Rose Sorensen
The original identity of the narrator, a writer, and journalist, lost within the narrative's events but a source of ongoing exploration and remembrance.
Valentine Ketterley/The Other
A seemingly intellectual ally to the narrator who stands out with his modern devices and attire but has a more complex role in the unfolding events.
Sarah Raphael
A police officer who aids the narrator with a considerate approach, noted for her distinctive elfin features and negotiation skills.
Laurence Arne-Sayles/The Prophet
An old professor with a mysterious connection to the labyrinth and a background that intrigues the narrator's original identity for its transgressive intellectualism.
249
Novel • Fiction
Infinite House • Timeless Realm
2020
Adult
18+ years
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