Piranesi is an Incredible Examination of the Human Mind
First of all, this book is amazing
This book is also one of five books that I’ve chosen for a specific project I’m doing for this brand.
But all that aside, let's Get Write On In to the review.
Piranesi Review
What… an incredible… book.
Honestly, I really do feel the hype around this book and I totally agree that it’s well worth the read.
This book is also actually a prime example as to why I try and give every book at least 50 pages before I decide whether or not I want to continue, because I wasn’t totally feeling it right away.
In my chapter by chapter notes, I think I wrote down on page 36 that I was feeling iffy. By page 52, I sang a completely different tune.
A couple of hopefully spoiler-free things I want to note before we get started. These are the two things I did not know going into the text, and two things I wish I had. It might have made it easier to get into it from the beginning instead of waiting for those 50 pages.
If these are spoilers, I’m so sorry, please forgive me, I’m just going to say them anyway.
1. I did not know this book was written as a journal.
2. I did not know this book was so philosophical.
Neither of those points are bad, but both of those required an adjustment for me and were part of the reason I wasn’t sure if I was going to enjoy the book or not by the end — at first.
The journal aspect itself is obviously pretty quick to adjust to. I had thought this was going to be some sort of whimsical, fantastical type adventure when I was reading the plot about the labyrinths and the statues and the halls that go on for miles and miles or what have you.
I was thinking of either the movie Labyrinth or at least Pan’s Labyrinth or something. It ended up being a little bit closer to The Tao of Pooh, which, for those of you who don’t know, is essentially a book utilizing the characters of Winnie the Pooh to depict and describe Taoist philosophy.
Far cry away from a book about running through labyrinths and away from scary monsters.
I knew based on the brief glimpses of reviews I had seen — I was trying to avoid any knowledge about this as much as possible, which might have helped me know what I was really getting into — that this was a good depiction of the quarantine type isolation. I just didn’t understand what that meant.
Another thing I’d like to mention for those of you who do not know, as I did not before I read this book, is that Giovanni Battista Piranesi was an artist in the 1700s most known for his work depicting Roman-type fictitious “prisons.”
There’s no direct mention of this in the book, but it essentially feels like a character trapped in one of those paintings. In the best way possible.
Part of what makes this book so interesting, and I really think this was a random stroke of luck for Susanna Clarke, is that feeling of the depiction of isolation in this book.
The thing is, it’s been a long time since she’s published something. Her most notable work, Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell, came out in 2004. I’ve heard of it, never read it, but now I want to. She published another book sometime after that, but it’s been a huge stretch of time since her last publication. After reading this, I feel like I understand why.
Some major thought went into this book.
Even though it isn’t super long, I wouldn’t be surprised if she spent years just figuring out the structure.
I’m sure everything about this book was already done and basically ready for publication by the time the pandemic hit. Although I still think this book would do great without that, I also think everyone’s fresh sense of that isolation is what really makes people look at this book like, “Whoa.”
It’s the hardest book to review without actually giving spoilers. I’m definitely going to word vomit in the spoilers section.
But what I can say about this book is:
It’s an incredible look into the human mind. What it means to exist, to have memories, the very idea of trust and identity, and, yes, isolation. Loneliness. But through all of that… desire, and longing, and hope, and searching for something that is different than the present and greater than the past.
It really is a trip, but it’s also not necessarily an “easy” read.
This is not one to just speed through because it’s short.
I read it in a day, yes, but — a day. Not a few hours.
You really have to turn your brain on for this book. I sincerely think it’s worth it if you go into it with a mindset of trying to find a sense of self-reflection through the main character.
There are a few things in here I think are up to the reader to fill in the blanks on. I think it's purposeful, and it allows the reader to create the world on their own in a really unique way. That’s, again, just hard to explain without giving it all away.
But the prose here is very poetic and reminiscent of Hemingway and C.S. Lewis, whom she quotes at the beginning.
I was also really excited about that because the quote was from The Magician’s Nephew. As a Narnia fan, it felt nice to see a reference to something that wasn’t The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe.
It’s all beautifully written and very engaging, but it certainly requires some active attention. You can blink and miss so much. There’s so much finite detail, and the depictions of the statues and everything, I’m at a loss. It really is so incredible.
I cannot say enough good things about this book.
I may have to read it again.
I’m just afraid if I do that I’m going to have to review it again.
I’m about to start the spoilers. If this is your time to bounce before the tea spills, make sure you leave a comment about what you think of this book, or if you’re excited to add it to your list, or any preconceived perceptions you have or anything.
**Spoilers**
Okay, guys, seriously, though, oh, my God…
This book is the biggest trip.
Even though this is the spoilers section, I still don’t even know where to start.
I have so many questions. That’s also what I was just trying to say about the reader filling in some details for themselves, because I think it’s purposefully open-ended, but it’s… just… wild.
So, “Piranesi” is really named Matthew Rose Sorensen, and he’s… in a cave?
I think? It’s like somewhere in the ocean, and the halls are like a sea cave, and waves come in and out and flood everything, but he’s always somehow untouched by it all.
He’s disappeared in the real world because he was writing a book about this guy named Laurence Arne-Sayles, who’s essentially Ted Bundy meets David Koresh from that Waco situation meets like a really messed-up Freud. He’s basically capturing people and exploring this idea of entering into other worlds through these rituals.
And all of these people who end up trying to write about him mysteriously disappear — like Matthew Rose Sorensen, whom they call “Piranesi” because that is a “name that is associated with labyrinths,” as in the Artist who drew all these elaborate prisons back in the day.
But once he gets into this cave — or this House, as he calls it — he just searches for the Great Knowledge over and over. That’s really the examination aspect of the mind. Always trying to search for this great Truth and Understanding. She uses all of these Capitals for everything to really heighten that philosophical aspect of things.
He just forgets everything about the real world. That’s when the book also takes on the aspect of a “mental breakdown,” which is something briefly discussed at the end of the book, but I just can’t really tell if that cave was, like… real?
Or if Matthew Rose Sorensen was just, like, in a mental hospital and trapped in his mind? I’m not sure, that’s part of what makes some of it a bit confusing, but there’s also Dr. Ketterley, whom Piranesi refers to as “The Other” throughout the text because he thinks only he and Dr. Ketterley exist.
He also, however, interacts with the dead bodies of Arne-Sayles’ victims. There’s this whole thing about Statues and how Statues are basically perfect because they never change. They’re just captured in that moment, “perfect, eternal, and not subject to decay.”
So he thinks it’s Himself, Piranesi, “even though he knows that is not his name,” “The Other,” who is a Dr., “The Thirteen” who are the dead victims, and “16,” who ends up being the police officer that “saves him.”
That’s another part that I guess gets confusing. The officer “is shown the trail” to the labyrinth and “saves him,” but it also seems like it all happened in his head.
But Dr. Ketterley “disappears” right when Matthew Rose Sorensen “reappears” because he’s been “missing,” so I’m not really sure.
Except it could all be happening in a hospital-type situation that’s just under the radar and doesn’t actually exist.
But, see?
The thing is, this book makes you think. There are so many layers to it, and so many realms of thought, and so many ideas on the existence of reality and the human mind and memories. Also the idea of our memories being played with and the process of determining whether information given to us is true or false. It was so intricately put together and well done, I’m really happy with the final outcome of this.
I really may read it again. Not because I feel like I have to, but because I feel like it’s one of those books that’s just better on the second read when you know what’s going on.
The first time you’re just kind of, like, what… is… happening that I just think reading it with a mindset of knowing what’s going on would just enhance the story.
If you’ve read this book and read these spoilers, let me know what you think in the comments!
Part 1: Piranesi
I didn’t realize this was a journal-type book!
A couple of crazy things, personally, off the bat:
“The Sixteenth Person” is totally probably going to inspire me in my whole Octavio story and his relationship with the reader. I’m super excited about that development to see where it goes. Especially because I’m not sure, as of now, if these are only the journals of Piranesi or he explains other things or whatever, I don’t know.
But I like the format at the setup, so far. I like how poetic the prose sounds. How, without the dialogue or any action really happening, the story is still almost “show-told.” It’s like a good mix of being told and shown, but told in the purposeful way of if this character is handwriting this or just journaling out thoughts it doesn’t have to be over-detailed.
The other thing I think is crazy is the whole November 2012 thing and then everything changing from there. November 2012 was when I first did NaNo and then now 8 years later I’m where I am with everything in it, so that’s just a weird connection there.
I’m interested to see where this goes, it’s an interesting writing style so far. Reminds me a bit of Anne Frank (I know that might not be the BEST example considering the circumstances but it is what it is) and I also really like how she quoted The Magician’s Nephew at the beginning, because I feel like all Narnia references focus on The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, and I see some C.S. Lewis influence in the writing, as well. She’s clearly British.
Part 2: The Other
I have to admit…
So far, I’m not liking this as much as I had hoped to. I mean, it’s okay… it’s not stellar, though? It feels like an old school book. In some senses, especially like previously mentioned with the C.S. Lewis feel, but… That was also back in like the 40s and 50s and such, the style doesn’t feel as… exciting when it’s written in the modern day.
And it’s okay so far, but we’ve just, like, met a bird and another human and stuff. I don’t know… We’ll see where this goes. I guess I was expecting something a little more gripping and suspenseful, and I’m almost feeling like a… a more adult feeling of A Series of Unfortunate Events? That light hearted dark tone? I don’t know if that’s right or not, but it’s what I’m going with. Still haven’t finished Part 2 yet though so we will see.
I like that there’s something of a philosophical aspect to all of it. I’m just having a hard time putting my finger on the comparison to how this makes me feel.
I guess part of me feels like The Tao of Pooh is an example, when the author took the characters from Winnie the Pooh and utilized them as an introduction into the philosophical thinking of Taoism. I read that in high school, so that would probably be one I’d have to re-read to actually make sure that comparison is accurate, but I’m really feeling “fantastical philosophy” for this book.
For some reason, I’m also feeling “Old Man and the Sea” vibes. I have less of a reason for that as to the why. The Tao of Pooh makes at least a little more sense to me, but alas, I am still yet to be done with Part 2 so I will carry on when I have more to say.
My interest is starting to pique. Especially with The Other telling him that they’ve had similar conversations over and again, and the concept of him losing time but still having memory is interesting.
And I do like the exploration of this house, how he’s going through different halls and talking about different things. It’s still currently not my favorite book ever written, but there’s promise.
The sense of mystery certainly comes around here toward the end of Part 2. I think it’s interesting how both this book and Monster Whisperer (that I’m reading simultaneously) have minotaurs (or at least minotaur references) in them. The Other seems like such an interesting character. I’m interested to see what his problem with 16 is, and why 16 might be dangerous or malevolent or trying to hurt him — or, if it’s really The Other that’s the problem, and Piranesi is actually supposed to find 16 so he can also find freedom.
16 is also my favorite number, so that, plus the November 2012 thing and what 16 represents for me in this book anyway is kind of strange and cool all in the same, but I’m certainly excited to move toward Part 3 now and see where this little labyrinth takes us.
I also like the reference to Giovanni Battista Piranesi, who I assume is the artist the main character is named after? If not, it sure would be ironic that the artist Piranesi was known for building fictitious and atmospheric “prisons” and considered himself an architect, and this main character is essentially stuck in a fictitious prison that is moonlighting as a house.
Part 3: The Prophet
This book really is getting more interesting as I carry on with it. I like the introduction of The Prophet — whom Piranesi thought was 16, but wasn’t, but then The Other referred to him first as 22 before 16, but we also learned that The Other is really named Val Ketterley, and whoever this Prophet is seems to have been in some sort of control over what’s going on. He’s also pretty much referenced all of the Dead that Piranesi has recorded — people he’s sent to these halls before.
We again are looking into the forgetfulness of Piranesi, and what he doesn’t remember that seems vital to the story. Part of this plot line reminds me a bit of Roland Deschain from The Dark Tower in The Gunslinger, when he was just fleeing across a desert because he felt like he had to, even though he wasn’t sure why or who he was or anything like that.
Again, I’m also like the philosophical aspects that become more prevalent as I carry on reading.
I’m only halfway through Part 3, but I like general depictions of humanity, I suppose. Even down to Piranesi and referring to Val as “The Other” or “The Not-Me.” It’s just an interesting way to look at things, I suppose.
There’s also this whole threat from The Other about killing Piranesi if it seems like the easier thing to do. Also, another thing I forgot to write down: I like how Piranesi is creating his own calendar, his own sense of “time.” Time and days and all of that are just such an interesting thing to me, and is an element I also play with in my own work. Again, this also references me back to The Dark Tower with the different “whens.”
I’m so tripped out by this book. It is one that makes you think, but it’s almost like… part of me doesn’t want to think as deeply as I am while I’m reading this. On the other side of the coin, that’s basically exactly what this is supposed to do, I’d think, with all the philosophical intonations in here. It’s definitely a trip to see Piranesi go through the journals he didn’t think existed. Especially as they reference the world as we know it, but it is that world that causes him stress and anxiety because he thinks it’s fake and can’t exist.
Isn’t that how we all feel sometimes?
Now that I’ve wrapped up Part 3, I’m almost wondering if this House is something like… heaven? I suppose? Or if you think about people who dole out these “near death” experiences or “I went to heaven and came back” or even “I’ve been to hell on the real” kind of stuff. That’s almost how I felt especially with the James Ritter biography.
Piranesi has obviously come from the world as we know it. Again, it is that world that seems unreal and impossible to him. That's part of what makes this book so intriguing. Even the way he decodes the word “university” to try and make sense of it. How disconnected he feels to the connection he has that’s keeping him going. I’m certainly interested to move onto Part 4 — especially since it’s titled 16, and I have a feeling it’s about to start going down up in this text.
Part 4: 16
Dude, this book is such a trip!
First of all, okay, cool, so 16 is a woman. Now we find out a little more about Piranesi. He’s “a romantic” and that’s part of the reason The Other wanted to keep this information away from him.
What’s interesting so far about the beginning of Part 4, however, is this whole Laurence Arne-Sayles character. He’s clearly one of the most pivotal and important aspects of all of this.
Not only do I already think he’s The Prophet (I mean, Piranesi himself already said they were identical), but he’s bringing some real interesting points to the philosophical and psychological aspects of the book… like an occultist Ted Bundy meets Freud. I’m only at the beginning of this part, so I’ll certainly see where it leads, but my favorite thing so far from this entire book is “When you observe the world, the world looks back. When you float down the river, the river knows and agrees to carry you.”
Not a word-for-word quote there, but love love love that analogy and thought.
Oh, wow, the Theory of Other Worlds. “When knowledge or power went out of this world it did two things: first, it created another place; and second, it left a hole, a door between this world where it had once existed and the new place it had made.” I love this! This book really does just get more interesting as it develops. I’m certainly starting to understand the hype. Wow, what great thought that’s been put into this, what a way to get people to think about the mere thought of existence and the mere thought of thought. This is something I can only hope to examine in my own works, and I’m sincerely glad whatever fates aligned to bring me together with this book.
So Matthew Rose Sorensen is (supposedly) his real name, eh? He knew he wasn’t Piranesi, but I still think it’s a brilliant connection to the artist and I’m equally curious to see how the name came about for him in the book. That means I must keep reading!
And, the next page — it’s a name associated with labyrinths (the artist), and The Other had to give him something.
Okay, so, December 20, 2012 reference there. That was one of the many times the world was supposed to end, was it not? I totally, 100% understand the mystery behind this book, the intrigue, the mind-blowing thought process that is guiding the reader through as the main character… examines his own memories with a fresh perspective? I think that’s the best way to put this. Really am enjoying this book, especially once I made that little mental shift into realizing this was a philosophical book and not just a fun and fantastical read.
Her head must have hurt the whole time she wrote this. Let’s find out what happened 15 November 2012!
Part 5: Valentine Ketterly
Well damn!
Now we know Piranesi as Matthew Rose Sorensen, that he was writing a book about Laurence Arne-Sayles and his transgressional thinking, how they got into the labyrinth, and pretty much why it seems like Piranesi was chosen to be put in the labyrinth as it was — to prevent him from exposing secrets. At least that’s my take on it, as of now, but we’ll have to see.
There’s only two parts left. I can say with utter confidence that I look forward to seeing the continuing development of this book.
Part 6: Wave
I had said from the start that The Other was The Enemy and that 16 was going to be the friend, but I’m really excited to see how this unfolds. Piranesi is certainly angry here at the beginning, and rightfully so. I’m finding this to be quite the gripping read, after all. I cannot wait to find out what happens, in the best way possible.
Damn this is seriously so intense — what an interaction between Piranesi confronting the Other and meeting 16. There’s still a relatively good portion left of the book before it’s over, and there’s still a lot of questions that need to be tied up, so I’m really excited to see the conclusion to how this all pans out.
I just cannot wait to find out what this House is! And what is actually going on! I feel so bad for Matthew Rose Sorensen, and how messed up he’s become taking care of dead people in this house and all that… I just can’t wait to finally get answers to all of my questions! All of this said in the best way possible, this is such an intricate and well thought out book, I’m so content with this. I also feel for Piranesi and how he feels toward the Other and his death.
The Statue is perfect, eternal, not subject to decay.
This inclusion of Sarah Raphael really is just so interesting. And just a reminder that no world is even perfect. I still hope we get some conclusion, which I’m sure we will. Not yet done with this Part either, but just really am loving how this story is coming together. Especially with the Statues being murdered by Arne-Sayles, and even with Piranesi leaving. Where was he, and where is this corridor going to lead us to??
Part 7: Matthew Rose Sorensen
“But I need the thing you have, so why don’t you just give it to me? And then when I have something you need, I will just give it to you.”
Well, okay, then. What a book, man.
Right now I feel like I need to let it sit before I write more, but there was just so much in there… just loneliness and thought and life and just, layers. I don’t know what else to say. I really enjoyed that read.
I’m sitting here reflecting on it and trying to figure out how I feel, and I feel like my mind is just having a hard time catching up to it. On the one hand, I guess there’s some things that don’t make sense to me and some questions I still have — but on the other hand, I almost feel like I’m not supposed to understand those things under a normal, linear sense of thought… that my imagination can create whatever it needs to to fill in the gaps, because the “Knowledge” is like the “Kindness” — infinite, and from within.
There are a few things I do wish had a more linear end, however, with all of that being said. I mean, was this labyrinth just in a sea cave? How was he free from all the water? I don’t know, perhaps this is one of those books that might require another read through to catch up on everything, or maybe I just need to sleep it off and let it process through my subconscious. I did just get it yesterday and am already done, after all. Digestion must take place.
