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48 pages 1 hour read

Piranesi

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2020

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Book Brief

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Susanna Clarke

Piranesi

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2020
Book Details
Pages

249

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Infinite House • Timeless Realm

Theme
Publication Year

2020

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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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.

Mysterious

Contemplative

Serene

Bittersweet

Fantastical

Reviews & Readership

4.3

352,279 ratings

83%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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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.

4.3

352,279 ratings

83%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Character List

The Beloved Child of the House

A thirty-something narrator who is deeply knowledgeable about the labyrinth-like setting, assuming the role of diligent explorer and observer.

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.

The original identity of the narrator, a writer, and journalist, lost within the narrative's events but a source of ongoing exploration and remembrance.

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.

A police officer who aids the narrator with a considerate approach, noted for her distinctive elfin features and negotiation skills.

An old professor with a mysterious connection to the labyrinth and a background that intrigues the narrator's original identity for its transgressive intellectualism.

Book Details
Pages

249

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Infinite House • Timeless Realm

Theme
Publication Year

2020

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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