piranesi describes the story of a man, titularly named, locked away in a house of infinite size and grandeur, at least according to his own perspective. its halls are lined with statues, each of which depict a story in themselves. piranesi exists within this house by himself, except for the other, a man he meets with weekly, and the skeletons of thirteen dead he tends to. and various birds. the house is mystical in nature, containing within its halls a complex system of water that ebbs, flows, and floods. he has studied its character meticulously, as he has the house itself, and has learned well how to survive within it. his experiences are recorded in written journals, the perspective from which this novel is told. life as piranesi knows it is turned on its head when he discovers that not all is as it appears as a new presence, aptly named "16," appears. its natural to get warped into this house and its storyline as you join the narrator in discovering exactly what his world might be. despite the utter monotony that might pair setting construction for a book with of an infinitely endless house, clarke's writing and use of the statues perfectly places you into this realm. perhaps the most beautiful points in the novel come at its conclusion where many of the questions a reader has built throughout their reading experience are resolved.an absolute must read and a beautifully written work of fiction. ( )

Piranesi is lovely. It is beautiful and contemplative. It is about the fullness of emptiness, and about the kinds of things people try to fill emptiness with. Also, there is mystery and A mystery.

It's definitely my cup of tea. But probably won't appeal to everyone. ( )

The story is like none other, the Borgesian unveiling of levels and the detail of the world are excellent. Really enjoyed reading this book. ( )

Good ( )

On the fifth day of the twelfth month of avoiding people for fear of germs.

I rated the book at a 3.5. In the vestibule of couches and screens.

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People compare this to Ocean at the End of the Lane. I can sort of get that.

This story is like trippy af. I had to flip pages back to see if I missed something.

I feel like there is probably a good discussion at the end of this in a book club or group about mental health.
The book was good. I knocked it down some because the idea of the days being written as such in the beginning of this review. I sincerely found myself skimming and thus page flipping because I was like how bloody long has it been? Wait, why is he... I felt unnerved at parts. Perhaps I should rate it higher just because it did. But I think I'll leave it at a 3.5. ( )