Piranesi

“A weird and wondrous little book”

“A surreal novel about a man who lives in a marble labyrinth, of which he is the only inhabitant, except for some birds, marble statues, and one fellow resident, a researcher he reports to and refers to as “Other.” An allegory for the human condition (a myth/fable, I guess, though this doesn’t feel like right word due to Piranesi’s earnest, strange, addictive voice). Like Backrooms if Backrooms was thoughtful and wise and good (not that I saw it LOL)”

“a fantastic audio production of a perfect book. piranesi lives in the infinite House whose halls are lined with infinite statues. clouds gather in the highest levels, and the sea surges below. piranesi doesn't know how he came to be in the House, nor who he is, but he diligently charts the House's tides while laboring to uncover A Great and Secret Knowledge for oliver, a strange man who visits piranesi from time to time. but there is another person in the House... and their presence threatens piranesi's simple world.”

“It’s a slim volume and either you’re in or you’re out on it — I’d give it about 20-30 pages and you’ll either find yourself completely immersed in the world and savoring each sentence to make it last longer, or you’re… not me. 😉🤷🏻‍♀️ All you need to know ahead of time is that Piranesi lives in a mysterious labyrinth of a House, and he’s incredibly endearing.”

“Easily one of the best books I’ve ever read”

“Spectacularly beautiful primary character, particularly their relationship to the concept of home and the more than human world. I have re-read and listened to this novel so many times and have never found another book that nourishes me as deeply as this one.”

“So much wonder!”

“beautiful and strange. i often think about what it would be like to wander in the House.”

“I’ve only ever heard glowing recommendations of this book - picked it up and every single one of them was right. 10/10”

“This novel is so engaging and whimsical, even non-readers will love it. Kind of fantasy/mystery but it’s also short and moves fast. No surprise it’s been optioned for a movie.”

“Do you secretly yearn to wander grand, decaying marble halls that stink of the sea and echo with waves? To unravel mysteries written in bone? To step into the other world that shadows our own? Then this is the book for you.”

“enjoyable, imaginative, short read”

“Completely unique concept that pulls you right in and has you wondering "what the?" from the very first line.”

“What a peculiar little book. A man lives in a gigantic ruinous house - a kind of castle with grand halls and statues - where life is dominated by the tides of an ocean in the lower levels of the building. The protagonist is a kind man with almost child-like curiosity, he seems like a monk living with the utmost worship for this strange place. Like the house, the story unfolds like a labyrinth and as a reader you only slowly discover what exactly is going on. Best read in January by the sea.”

“This book truly transported me to a place I didn’t know could exist! Every word was so fun, the main character is so fascinatingly curious!”

“tbh the first 50 pages were a slog, but the payoff is so good.”

“I am famously not one for fantasy so avoided this book for years but turns out I devoured it.”

“Gorgeous imagery, plot twists, and compelling character development - what more could you ask for?”

“Magical realism meets... I don't want to say anything else because going in blind is the best part 🩵”