A captivating novel that follows the life of a man named Piranesi, who lives in a vast, mysterious labyrinthine house filled with statues and surrounded by an ocean. As he meticulously documents his surroundings and interacts with the only other person he knows, Piranesi begins to uncover deeper truths about his world and himself. This vivid and lush novel beautifully explores themes of memory, identity, and the quest for knowledge.

A labyrinthine novel that reminded me somewhat of Sarah Moss's Ghost Wall. The book required some patience from me because it took a long time to explain what was going on and who the people were. Due to Clarke's intriguing writing style, the book never frustrated me and was intrigued by its puzzle-box nature. I really enjoyed the last quarter in which the end of the maze was revealed.

Susanna Clarke writes the most beautiful stories, and Piranesi is such a marvelous read. I want to revisit this world over and over.

Not sure what to say about this one. I enjoyed reading it. It was a mix of hypnotic and surreal prose but I’m still not sure I understand what’s going on in the book.! lol

Piranesi is a blessed child of the House. The House has many rooms, which Piranesi knows intimately. There have been 14 residents before him. The only one left is The Other. When the Prophet comes and warns Piranesi of the coming of 16, Piranesi's world shifts.

This definitely wasn't what I expected it to be. I'm not really sure what I expected, but this wasn't it. It wasn't bad, it wasn't good. It was just odd.

An astonishing work. The book is an incredible read, and the print hardcover is stunning as well. Really surprising and very fun.

I’m judging the L.A. Times 2020 and 2021 fiction contest. It’d be generous to call what I’m doing upon my first cursory glance—reading. I also don’t take this task lightly. As a fellow writer and lover of words and books, I took this position—in hopes of being a good literary citizen. My heart aches for all the writers who have a debut at this time. What I can share now is the thing that held my attention and got me to read on even though it was among 296 other books I’m charged to read.

It does not matter that you do not understand the reason. You are the Beloved Child of the House. Be comforted.

I truly loved this. A cerebral little mindfuck of a novel. Starts out as one thing and becomes something completely different-- while remaining true to itself

An intricately layered, surprisingly sensitive puzzle of a book. Compelling and readable, the narrative is obscure but far from impenetrable, and our protagonist is a warm companion through this strange adventure.

One of my new favorite magical reads that I recommend all the time. Susanna Clarke has been a favorite of mine since Strange & Norrell, and I'm so pleased to have grown up with her work.

I did not enjoy this book, I thought it was super weird and thought about stopping multiple times. I kept giving it a shot to see if it got better, but even the ending was weird for me. Maybe I wasn’t in the right headspace? Who knows.. but it wasn’t my vibe.

This was a very cerebral read. I was sucked into the imagery but as the explanation of the setting became more scientific and less fantastical the story lost me. I did not finish this book.

This wasn't for me, it is very plot driven, perhaps even world-building driven. The narrator felt a little blank to me, which I do understand has reasons, but it wasn't for me.

A challenging, puzzling tale of two characters in a giant building, unlike anything I've read. You could call it Borgesian, I suppose, but it simply didn't grab me the way Borges's stories do. It starts slowly and while other reviews assure me that patience is rewarded, I gave up after 100 pages.

I know this book has been archived ages ago but I _finally_ read it and just, wow. I was saving it because I know how rare Susanna Clarke's books are-- I waited so long after Ladies of Grace-- and I guess I was saving Piranesi for when I _really_ needed it.
It's probably weird to attribute sounds to a book (and honestly a little Piranesi like), but this book chimes like a crystal bell. Not all books are like that-- some are silent and some are muddled and murky, but this one is beautiful and crisp and clear. It's basically impossible to review this book but I am so grateful to Susanna Clarke for writing it. It was a masterpiece.

At first, I was confused and wasn’t sure how I would like the book. Piranesi lives in a labyrinth of halls with statues and ocean water. The Other is the only other person living there. 16 is another person looking for him. 16 is possibly dangerous. Piranesi learns clues to his own past and current situation. I don’t want to share anymore now and spoil the story for you. I really enjoyed the book as the story unfolds.

This book right here is the reason why you shouldn’t DNF a read. Starting off weird and frustrating, and having no idea what the heck “Piranesi” is doing or why he’s doing it, it’s easy to want to put this book down. But damn if I am one of those people who can never DNF…. I just can’t. Because of it I have read so me of the most amazing books ever. This one included.

Finally at one point in this book, you meet the “Prophet” and everything changes. A story comes to life, and a plot emerges. In retrospect (because the only way you can adequately review this one is after you’ve finished completely) this book was BRILLIANT. It has a sci-fi theme to it but the book becomes so engrossing that it doesn’t appear “sciency” and technical at all.

This labyrinth of a book has a unique subject matter, alternative reality. Susanne Clarke has woven one fantastic tale that makes you wonder what is real and what is assumed, and how much our minds create on their own. The resolution of this book is very open-ended, which some readers may enjoy, allowing them to create their own summation of how things may culminate with the characters.

I’ve gotta give this one 4 stars. The only reason I didn’t give it 5 is because the of the beginning, it’s enough to put an insomniac to sleep, and as important as this beginning is to the book, I feel that it may have turned way too many readers away from continuing the journey of this crazy ride. If you can make it past the beginning, and not DNF, I guarantee you will love this ingenious piece of work.

Prepare to enter a world where you are not sure what is real and imaginary. Unique novel that was impossible to put down, I am still not certain how to describe it, but is was completely enthralling.

I have conflicting opinions about this book. It was a slow start, mainly because it was difficult to feel a connection with the setting and the characters. I almost put it down, but the middle of the book was more interesting as I tried to figure out how it would end. The ending just felt rushed. Overall this book was worth reading, but not a favorite.

4 1/2. Ultimately ends of kind of slight as fantasy — in a way that suggests no negative connotations — and rather emotionally profound. Starts in an absolutely destabilized place, moves toward a familiar fantasy conceit (I won't spoil, but suffice to say that it's rooted in a crux familiar to both classic and modern fantasy worlds, with a twist), and ends up as something altogether different than either would suggest. Sneaky smart, sneaky tragic. Also a very fun bit of puzzling along the way, albeit not in a put-the-pieces-together sort of way but as an exercise in orientation. Good book. Read this book.