Piranesi

by Susanna Clarke, Susana Clark
Piranesi cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Fantasy
Technical:
  • ID: 1075
  • Added: 2025-09-25
  • Updated: 2025-10-11
  • ISBN: 9781526622433
  • Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
  • Published: 2021-09-01
  • Formats: 48
  • Reviews: 4
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99–£11.99 Hardback • £18.99

Piranesi lives in an endless House, meticulously recording its vast halls, statues, and tides in his notebooks. His solitary life is interrupted by the arrival of a stranger, who brings with them secrets that challenge Piranesi's understanding of his world. As he uncovers lost texts and confronts the Other's warnings, the House becomes increasingly strange and perilous. The Beauty of the House is immeasurable, but its mysteries may hold the key to Piranesi's past and future. Winner of the 2021 Women's Prize for Fiction, Piranesi is a breathtaking novel from the bestselling author of Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell. Praised for its exquisite world-building and luminous storytelling, this novel is a puzzle-box of wonder and intrigue.

Reviews
La Smith Writer · 2025-09-25
lovely 4.75

Piranesi is praised as a lovely and meditative journey that explores both the good and bad aspects of human nature. It is also described as a compelling page-turner.

The reviewer finds Piranesi to be a beautiful and contemplative novel that skillfully examines the complexities of human nature. They appreciate the book's ability to balance deep philosophical questions with an engaging narrative. The reviewer also highlights the book's unique setting and the way it blends mystery and introspection. They suggest that Piranesi is a book that will stay with the reader long after the final page.

Quick quotes

    Piranesi is a lovely book; a meditative journey into both the good and bad aspects of human nature.

    It is a compelling page-turner to boot.

    Piranesi is a book that will stay with you long after the final page.

Elitist Book Reviews · Vanessa · 2023-01-18
worthy 4.20

An otherworldly house, the search for magic in the modern world, and a man's discovery of himself makes Piranesi an strangely worthy story.

The reviewer, Vanessa, finds Piranesi to be a strangely worthy story that explores themes of self-discovery and the search for magic in the modern world. They are captivated by the otherworldly setting of the book, which adds a layer of intrigue and wonder. Vanessa appreciates the book's unique narrative structure and its ability to blend fantasy with deeper philosophical questions. They conclude that Piranesi is a memorable and thought-provoking read.

Quick quotes

    An otherworldly house, the search for magic in the modern world, and a man's discovery of himself makes Piranesi an strangely worthy story.

    The book's unique narrative structure is both engaging and thought-provoking.

    Piranesi is a memorable and thought-provoking read that blends fantasy with deeper philosophical questions.

Bluntly Bookish · 2021-12-03
magical 4.25

Piranesi is described as magical, mysterious, and melancholy. The reviewer acknowledges that it is not an easy read but finds it worth the effort.

The reviewer praises Piranesi for its magical and mysterious atmosphere, which creates a sense of melancholy that permeates the story. They note that the book is not a quick or easy read, but the depth and richness of the narrative make it a rewarding experience. The reviewer appreciates the book's exploration of themes such as memory and identity, and they suggest that Piranesi is a novel that demands patience and attention from its readers.

Quick quotes

    Piranesi is magical, mysterious and melancholy.

    It is certainly not the 'easy read' the 240 pages might suggest.

    It is worth the effort.

The Guardian · 2020-09-17
enigmatic 4.50

The book is described as a tenebrous study in solitude and a newly mysterious exploration. The narrator's lack of company and reliable memories adds to the intrigue.

The reviewer highlights Piranesi as a deeply atmospheric and mysterious novel that delves into themes of solitude and memory. They appreciate the book's unique narrative style and the way it immerses the reader in an enigmatic world. The absence of a traditional plot is noted, but the focus on the protagonist's isolated existence is found to be compelling. The reviewer suggests that the book's beauty lies in its exploration of human nature and the search for meaning in an unfamiliar environment.

Quick quotes

    Piranesi is a tenebrous study in solitude.

    Its narrator, though deprived of both company and reliable memories, seems curiously content.

    It is also newly mysterious.

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