Booknotes : Piranesi
"Strange but beautiful story. Word by word, you will fall deep into the labyrinthine world of 'Piranesi.'"
Book Details
🛒 Piranesi by Susanna Clarke Kinokuniya Malaysia | Amazon US
Published in 15 Sept 2020
272 pages
Fantasy fiction, magical realism
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
Atmosphere
It’s about a man named Piranesi, who lives in a house-like labyrinth consisting of thousands of rooms, halls, and statues, all containing vast oceans. Tides of the ocean ebb and flow through the labyrinth at specific times of the day. I personally think of it as a ‘watery labyrinth’ contained within a house.
He lives with another human being, whom he refers to as “the Other,” who he meets once a week, and a couple of skeletons who he tends to. This is a story of how he survives in this labyrinth, interpreting it through his own understanding of life in that world.
Ever wanted to explore a surreal, gothic labyrinth that feels truly otherworldly? Need to embark on a deep, solitary exploration to uncover hidden truths and find your identity? If you're ready to be shattered cosily, this is the book for you!
A gist of thoughts
This fantasy fiction evokes whimsical feelings throughout. I am still captivated by how intricately the labyrinth was described. Piranesi is essentially a man who lives in a house-like labyrinth and sees himself as the Beloved Child of the House.
Initially, he was happy and adored this place. Every day, he spent time as a scientist, carrying a journal with him, documenting his surroundings, findings, and environment. Until one day, he began to question himself and the Other, uncovering the truth of the life he has.
Since we know Piranesi keeps a journal at all times, the story is written in the first person, past tense, with a deeply introspective theme. It is simple yet profound and absorbing. To me, the writing is beautiful and elegant!
I like how Susanna brought the aspect of characters of an academic man who is an egotistical man who thinks they are larger than God. I think it was written and carried in the book very well.
The plot and characters seemed to exist solely to serve their purposes. The book's brevity, just over 60,000 words, made me pace myself, feeling a sense of sadness when it ended. Although short, it is filled with clues introduced throughout, which makes the book fascinating.
I love how the universe in this book, ‘the house’ was written in a reference to the Manchester Townhall (I can’t find any article that says that it was referenced to it but I definitely thought of the place whilst reading the book; refer image)
I certainly feel overall this book fits the dark academia theme. I love the references, and many literary works that I can imagine. I like how she made Piranesi feel delusional, as if his brain doesn't work properly, but he becomes so lovable as the story expands despite all the flaws this character has. I also love how it brings the hidden education and knowledge that the book brought to my experience. This is a book that I would come back to read as if it’s my first time! I think she did this elegantly, and I can’t wait to read her other works, “Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell” and “The Ladies of Grace Adieu.”
Favourite quotes, words & others
The image I found and added to the blog serves as an illustrative representation to help convey the essence of what I read.
Quotes :
“Perhaps even people you like and admire immensely can make you see the World in ways you would rather not.”
“The House is valuable because it is the House. It is enough in and of Itself. It is not the means to an end.”
“In my mind are all the tides, their seasons, their ebbs and their flows.”
Others :
Susanna claimed that Piranesi was inspired by several sources :
Giovanni Battista Piranesi Prints : Susanna derived the principal inspiration an artist who made arts from Renaissance and Baroque structures in 1700s. The Italian artist has made a series of prints called Imagery Prisons - which definitely appears in the Piranesi book.
The Chronicles of Narnia: Susanna has cited C.S. Lewis's "The Chronicles of Narnia" as an inspiration, particularly the sense of wonder and discovery in hidden, magical places.
Fantasy and Mythology: Steeped in mythological references and the tradition of fantasy literature, weaving a narrative that feels timeless and otherworldly.
Classical Literature: There are elements reminiscent of classical literature and philosophy (human condition)
Personal Exploration: Inspired by Susanna’s own experiences and thoughts on solitude, the search for meaning, and the nature of reality deeply influence the book's themes and character development.
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️
“10 Stars for a solid Dumbledore’s Wisdom for me! Pure wizardry and a master piece. I felt like this book is loaded with so much deeply meaning knowledge and it’s a hidden treasure.This book makes me question everything around me, bringing me deeply into rethinking my life’s purpose and principles. It’s definitely an unforgettable and dreamlike experience that left a strangely wonderful impact to me (also a book that I feel INTJ would love!).
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