Piranesi

By: Susanna Clarke

Narrated by: Chiwetel Ejiofor

Length: 6 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

Bloomsbury presents Piranesi by Susanna Clarke, read by Chiwetel Ejiofor.

WINNER OF THE WOMEN'S PRIZE 2021
WINNER OF THE KITSCHIES' 2021
SHORTLISTED FOR THE COSTA NOVEL OF THE YEAR AWARD
A SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER
A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
CHOSEN AS A BOOK OF THE YEAR BY THE THE TIMES, GUARDIAN, OBSERVER, DAILY TELEGRAPH, FINANCIAL TIMES, i PAPER, NEW STATESMAN, SPECTATOR, TIME MAGAZINE, TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT, BBC CULTURE, NETGALLEY AND THE CHURCH TIMES

The spectacular new novel from the bestselling author of JONATHAN STRANGE & MR NORRELL, ‘one of our greatest living authors’ New York Magazine

Piranesi lives in the House. Perhaps he always has.

In his notebooks, day after day, he makes a clear and careful record of its wonders: the labyrinth of halls, the thousands upon thousands of statues, the tides that thunder up staircases, the clouds that move in slow procession through the upper halls. On Tuesdays and Fridays Piranesi sees his friend, the Other. At other times he brings tributes of food to the Dead. But mostly, he is alone.

Messages begin to appear, scratched out in chalk on the pavements. There is someone new in the House. But who are they and what do they want? Are they a friend or do they bring destruction and madness as the Other claims?

Lost texts must be found; secrets must be uncovered. The world that Piranesi thought he knew is becoming strange and dangerous.

The Beauty of the House is immeasurable; its Kindness infinite.

*****

'What a world Susanna Clarke conjures into being … Piranesi is an exquisite puzzle-box' DAVID MITCHELL
‘It subverts expectations throughout … Utterly otherworldly’ Guardian
'Piranesi astonished me. It is a miraculous and luminous feat of storytelling' MADELINE MILLER
‘Brilliantly singular’ Sunday Times
'A gorgeous, spellbinding mystery … This book is a treasure, washed up upon a forgotten shore, waiting to be discovered' ERIN MORGENSTERN
‘Head-spinning … Fully imagined and richly evoked’ Telegraph

©2020 Susanna Clarke (P)2020 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

An instant classic

It has become increasingly rare to be able to experience a new classic just as it has been produced. Piranesi is one of those classics. Like the Eleanor Rigby, Alice in Wonderland, The Little Prince, Guernica or Gymnopédie, you are immediately aware from the first moment of contact that you are in the presence of something profound and lasting that is going to remain part of our collective awareness for many, many years to come.

Piranesi is a mysterious, touching wonderment, a poetic and visionary masterpiece. Reading it creates a dream world within that continues to unfold and resonate with your own dreams and questions long after you have put the book down. Susanna Clarke is a master wordsmith at the peak of her craft, leaving out all unnecessary descriptions and explanations, allowing the visions to stand for themselves and the questions to arise of their own accord and seek their own answers within your awareness. And ultimately it is a bittersweet celebration of the poignant beauty and mystery of simply being. The fact that she managed to create Piranesi while suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome makes the achievement all the more amazing.

Serendipitously, this exquisite poetic fable is here further enhanced by Chiwetel Ejiofor’s narration. His diction, presentation and emotion are all perfect. Once you have heard it, it would be impossible to imagine anyone else doing Piranesi justice. Both the book itself and this audiobook version of it are classics for the ages.

Gentle and Harsh

This book made me think. I at first thought it was going to be a book with little to no plot, and I was thankful for it because it was so gentle that it just felt good to read. Then, when plot began to reveal itself, I was highly invested and wanted to learn more. Reflecting on it after finishing, Susanna Clarke did an amazing job balancing the book, and Chiwetel Ejiofor delivered the story with such perfect emotion. The result is an impeccable audiobook that I will be turning over in my brain long after I've posted this review.

Extraordinary!

Loved every word of this book. Just a wonderfully creative, well-written, fully dimensional story. Perfectly narrated. Kind of creates its own genre in a way.

I want to go back

I listened to this 2 times in a row. I wanted to be in the House with Piranesi for good. Ejiofor is amazing - his empathy for Piranesi is evident. Pandemic metaphors abound, but the House is a safe space.

Wandering but good

I enjoyed the building of the fantasy environment. I had hoped for less wandering of a story line it seems it could have been shorter. But pleased with how the story came together.

Delightful, wonderful and strange tale

Susanna Clarke tells a wonderful and captivating tale of the main character discovering themselves slowly. The beautifully optimist navigates tranquil halls grateful for all things and taking studious notes. His one companion is a fastidious and brusque individual that doesn't appreciate the halls and only wishes to address his most important project!

Chiwetel Ejiofor does such a great job narrating. The joy! The shock! The reverence and deference shown to the dead!

Truly a fun and diverting tale.

A wonderful journey

This book and it’s narration was amazing. I put off listening to it because of so many reviews that said it was boring but they couldn’t have been more wrong. It was full of tension and wonder. I’m tremendously happy to have listened to it.

Incredible sorry that I wish never ended

I want to go to TheHhouse so badly! Wow. This book is a warm blanket to wrap around you and feel and think about the world. It’s so beautiful.

In another world, you are a king….

This was a surprisingly unique piece. Sad, charming, gorgeous and intriguing. I really appreciate this kind compliment f work that exudes a deep artistry.

Captivating

One of the best books that I have read/listened to in years. The narrator does an excellent job transporting the reader to this world. Absolutely recommend