Piranesi is the much-anticipated second novel from author Susanna Clarke, her first since the international bestseller Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell fifteen years ago. Piranesi is a modern, dark-edged fairy tale told through immaculate prose. To read Piranesi is to be lost in a labyrinth of memory, mystery, and magic.
Piranesi is set in a House of infinite hallways, courtyards, and stairs. An ocean lies within, constantly shifting in tides, waves crashing up walls and fish swimming over floorboards. The man who lives in the House is called Piranesi, though that is not his name. Piranesi has lived in the House for as long as he can remember, and why would he want to remember anything else? The House is good to him. It provides him fish to eat, birds for company, and statues to comfort him. Here he is safe. Here there is beauty.
Piranesi is an atmospheric story; the setting is more important than plot or character. The House is described in lavish detail as Piranesi wanders through halls, going about daily chores, and working on his ‘research’. Despite the slow beginning, it never bores but rather delights. Piranesi exudes the magical charm of stories such as C.S. Lewis’ classic The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, and in a way its setting is like a reverse Narnia — instead of entering the wardrobe into a magical land, the magic has flooded through the wardrobe.
“I am determined to explore as much of the World as I can in my lifetime. To this end I have travelled as far as the Nine-Hundred-and-Sixtieth Hall to the West, the Eight-Hundred-and-Ninetieth Hall to the North and the Seven-Hundred-and-Sixty-Eighth Hall to the South. I have climbed up to the Upper Halls where Clouds move in slow procession and Statues appear suddenly out of the Mists. I have explored the Drowned Halls where the Dark Waters are carpeted with white water lilies. I have seen the Derelict Halls of the East where Ceilings, Floors — sometimes even Walls! — have collapsed and the dimness is split by shafts of grey Light.In all these places I have stood in Doorways and looked ahead. I have never seen any indication that the World was coming to an End, but only the regular progression of Halls and Passageways into the Far Distance.”
For all its enchantment, Piranesi is no light-hearted tale. It is haunting and prodding. Themes of identity and justice are richly explored. The House, though certainly beautiful, is gloomy and shrouded in mystery. Who is Piranesi and how did he come to be in the House? What is the House? Is it truly a safe place? Like a low hum these questions build in the back of your mind as you piece together, often figuring out before Piranesi, what is going on.
At less than 250 pages, Piranesi is a desperately refreshing fantasy tale to escape into for a brief while. Laden with symbolism and literary references, it is the kind of book that will surely reward repeat readings, with the promise of new depths to discover. The House begs the reader to return. To soak in its beauty, listen to the ever-flowing tides, and linger in the grey light of the stars. If you find yourself in need of a gentle retreat from the battering of reality, I highly recommend Piranesi. The House awaits you.
“May your Paths be safe, your Floors unbroken, and may the House fill your eyes with Beauty.“
My final rating for Piranesi by Susanna Clarke is a deep and fulfilling glass of fresh water after a long hike out of 10.
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