Piranesi - Book Review

Title : Piranesi

Author : Susanna Clarke

Language : English

Publishing House : Bloomsbury

Publishing date : 15 September 2020

Genre : Fantasy Fiction

Page count : 272

My Rating : 4.25/5

I was so engrossed in the world of Piranesi that I stayed up till 3 at night reading it.

“The Beauty of the House is immeasurable; its Kindness infinite.”

Reading this book especially in the beginning was such a strange experience. It is written in the form of journal entries by Piranesi who is the only living person in the House apart from his friend, the Other. The descriptions of the House are vivid, the world building is perfect and I could imagine myself walking amongst its many halls and gazing solemnly at its many statues (my fav is the beehive woman).

Susanne Clarke has managed to weave a story as unusual and peculiar as dreams. Since we see everything through Piranesi's eyes, we are often in the dark just as he is. However, as the story progresses it becomes evidently clear that the House possesses many dangers and it is fairly easy to guess the route in which the story is moving. I enjoyed wandering through the halls with Piranesi as my tour guide. His kind, innocent and helpful nature; optimism and gratitude towards the House makes him a wonderful companion.

Initially, I was making meticulous notes in my reading journal about the house and the events in an attempt to note every detail. I was trying too hard to solve the puzzle of this unusual world. On seeing Piranesi's connection with the House, the way he lives, his immense gratitude and contentment with what is; made me want to do the same. It was only when I stopped trying to solve the mystery and started relishing in the journey that I truly got lost in the magical writing and this beautiful world. When the mystery is revealed, it is not as surprising but truly heart breaking.

The Beauty of the book lies in capturing the surrealism of the House and in making you feel like a part of it.

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