Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norell is fantastic. One of my all time favorites. It's completely different from Piranesi. Even the prose is in a different style.
Your patrons have excellent taste! I agree that Piranesi is a unique experience and highly atmospheric. For me, it’s one of the most beautiful books I’ve read, and the sense of strange melancholy and beauty I have when I think of it is still powerful. Thanks for your thoughts, Jimmy!
Yes! I absolutely loved this book when I read it earlier this year. One of the most immersive and atmospheric books I've experienced in a while. It's good to see it still being talked about, well-earned.
I'm so glad you liked this book, I read it last year and was one of my favorite reads of 2020. Your cult interpretation is a very interesting one, It's one I haven't thought about, but totally makes sense. As for my interpretations the first one would be loneliness and isolation, Susanna Clarke had a long running illness that forced her to stay home for years and I think the book is an exploration of that, the way our world shrinks around us and how we give meaning to the things around us and reinterpret our surrounding reality, and also how this isolation changes us and our relationships. On the other hand Piranesi is a very childlike character, the way he thinks about the world made me think of myself as a child and the way a small courtyard was an entire world full of mistery for me back then. Another possible interpretation would be the contrast between being one with nature (or art maybe) and trying to exploit it. There are also some references to Narnia, so I think it has some interesting takes on escapism and the way us SFF readers live in other worlds. Finally I've read somewhere that one of her inspirations is Borges, I haven't read anything by him, but I'm planning to read his novellas before doing a reread, until then I can't say much about this except that the labyrinth is a big symbol in Piranesi (that can be a reference to a mystery, but also to being trapped and I'm sure many more things) Anyway this turned out too long, I hope you'll have the patience to read through it 😁 I'm looking forward to a liveshow about Piranesi!
Definitely a book for the vibes. I actually wish it was longer, more developed, but I wonder if that would've worked against it. I love the idea, and the possibilities. I need to pick up Strange and Norrell at some point.
Spoilers… . . . . . . . . I read Piranesi in the midst of a really bad depressive episode, so that’s probably *why* I took away from the reading experience what I did: I thought it was a giant thematic exploration and allegory for mental health, especially at the end when the man who is not Piranesi but not yet Matthew desires to go back into the house but knows it’s not safe for him to do that; sometimes, there is a feeling of comfort in periods of depression/anxiety/etc because there is a complexity yet a familiarity with it. There are also allusions to Plato’s allegory of the cave with Piranesi innocence (some could argue ignorance) of the world.
I was around pg 50 and was thinking of temporarily putting to the side as I had no idea what was going on but your non spoiler part of the review made me feel a lot better about continuing.
Re-reading it now, this time though I am listening to chiwetel Eijiofor’s narration while I read the ebook and loving the narrator’s performance even more. He just makes Piranesi so much more real, child-like, innocent yet so worldly. Anyway, found your video to see what your thoughts were. 👍🏼
I had no plans to read this book right now (it was on my radar but you know) and I found it at my library and said like you know what, this is short, let's give it a shot. I LOVED this book, the prose, the message, I even laughed a few times at Piranesi's stories. It's short but it definitely packs a punch. Loved your review and your interpretation.
Im a late to the game, but a new fan of this book. I was struck by the similar themes to Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell - being enslaved, reviving ancient magic, the power of genius, one authority that wants to rule, endless worlds as prisons, being ruled by intellect to name a few. I imagine ill be unpacking this for a while.
A beautifully written book that absolutely made me take notes, trying to find ways to interpret the possible meanings of its elements. And totally agree, the first 80+ pages had me devouring them without any clue what was going on. Edit: Your interpretation regarding the cult mentality is certainly valid, I think the story actively encourages that. My own idea about this issue was quite similar, as showing the results that continued trauma, abuse, and neglect can have on a person. PTSD can do similar things to you, and I felt that Piranesi's story is a quite accurate reflection of what it feels like to have PTSD - particularly Matthew being neither Matthew nor Piranesi after having been "released", having to find a new concept of who he is, resonated strongly with me.
Honestly I love being lost alongside the characters... though in this case, it almost felt like Piranesi was my guide, showing me around his magical world in a labyrinth.
Wow, so I never thought about the book from that angle (as a cult allegory). My first reaction to you saying that was that the theory relies on the House not being real. But after thinking about it, I don't think that's true--I think the cult allegory works either way. It adds a whole other perspective to the story (a rather dark one, at that). This is such a fascinating book, with so many different ways to interpret it. By the way, regarding the House being real, I never considered otherwise, and I guess the proof would be that 16 found a way in to rescue Piranesi. But who knows, maybe "the way in" is simply countering the effect of a drug or breaking through hypnosis. Anytime you have such an abstract story dealing with consciousness and perception, there are so many paths to understanding it. Great review 👍
Great review! I listened to the audiobook of this not too long ago, and I'm glad to hear what other people think about it :) This definitely is not a story that will go down as an "all time favorite" of mine, but I will say that I enjoyed it far more than I expected to. I have always been interested in Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, but never motivated enough to read it. There have always been books that I wanted to read more, but after reading Piranesi and seeing how I enjoy Susanna Clarke's writing style, I will probably finally get to Strange & Norrell sooner rather than latter, probably early to mid next 2022.
I'm so happy you loved the book, Jimmy! Piranesi made it into my favorite books of all time "pile" (stealing that word from Hillary). The prose is truly beautiful and wondrous. I loved the character, Piranesi, and exploration on aloneness vs. loneliness. I buddy read this with my mother and she was able to pick out several of the literary allusions. We have a video on my channel discussing the themes and impact the book had on us, so it was additionally special for me because I was able to connect with my mother about it. :)
Easily the best book I've read so far this September, and I'm not just saying that because most of my other reads have been letdowns so far lol While I didn't get to that conclusion about cults, I can see it.
I really like the cult angle! And it’s a bit weird that I didn’t think of it, since I was brought up as a Jehovah’s Witness. The Other only wants to control Matthew for his own means, and it’s hard or even impossible to find yourself once you find your way out. When Raphael tried to save him, the Other said that she wanted to hurt him, just like a cult leader would.
@@r1ddhima yes! The way we get to know Piranesi through his journaling is one of my favorite parts of this story. I wish I read more stories that used this
Great review and I appreciate you talking some spoilers on this one. Would love to see you collab with others for more discussion. This was the last book I started in 2020 (31 dec) and first book I finished in 2021 (1 Jan), and still in my top 3 books finished this year out of 34 so far. SPOILERS AHEAD: . . . . . Your cult take is interesting and though I hadn’t thought of it before it definitely makes a lot of sense. Others mentioned loneliness and isolation and I leaned towards those vibes as I was reading it. I also like how there can be multiple interpretations. There was an excellent article online recently titled “The meditative empathy of Susanna Clarke’s Piranesi”
My favorite from 2021 as well. I just ordered a hardback copy for my third date with it. My interpretation is that somethimes the search for knwoledge can blind some scolars into going too far. Most of "The Greate and Secret Knowledge" is actualy a pagan belief (especially the human- nature connection). There is actualy a great fantasy debut that has a part of that magic, "The Hand of the Sun King" by J T Greathouse.
Piranesi is a gem! Definitely agree each reader can interpret it differently and that makes reading and discussing it all the more rewarding. Spoilers Below . . . . . . . . . . I like your cult take - I think it makes a lot of sense especially because that secret academic club def had cult vibes! I personally read it as someone who's been through traumatic/difficult times trying to reconnect to the real world (ie, his amnesia is like blocking bad memories that he needs to actually process to move on, which he does by talking to raphael and finding his missing journals).
Absolutely loved Piranesi. The quiet moments, the mystery, the contrast between Piranesi and the Other. Loved it all. SPOILERS BELOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I agreen to the similarities between a cult and what happens in the book. This book has so much to explore. There was an interesting article where Clarke talked about her illness and the isolation she has felt as a consequence. Piranesi almost feel like a manifestation of that isolation. I also liked how Piranesi seeks out knowledge for the greater good while the Other seeks knowledge out of selfishness. The Other can also represent ambition and how good intentions can get out of hand and our own ego can transform us into terrible people.
@@thefantasynuttwork It is quite sad what Clarke has gone through. It got to the point when she thought she was never going to be able to write another book.
I think the high praise definitely had an effect on me, since I came with high expectations and ended up being somehow disappointed. but thats my fault
SPOILER ALERT - I read it thinking there was an element of mental illness and at the same time that it was an urban portal fantasy. There are references to fantasy literature (c s lewis, Greek mythology), the statury seemingly symbolic of the themes (at one time he even calls them prophetic) especially the crowd scene that seem to point to a hidden truth. The fact that it doesn't seem to bother Piranesi that The Other doesn't have a real name seems to put this in the realms of a world built from the mind to hide in or induced by pain. That could be through contact with a cult. Another point is that the other boy that was a captive of Sayles seemed to have spent two years in a cupboard because his 'toilet matter' came under a wall. All food for thought. On the other hand I also enjoyed it as an urban fantasy where an endearing character is saved from a life as a prisioner.
I don’t think she was writing about cults at all, the author was stuck inside due to illness for many years and I think it had more to do with actual isolation.
Yeah I’ve read that as well. Though I don’t think my interpretation is all that unbelievable, I’d say it speaks to the quality that it can have a lot of different meanings
Have you read Clarke's other novel Jonathan Strange?
No but I own it.
@@Thecatladybooknook_PennyD hey me too 🤣
I'm just waiting for someone to do a readalong.....lol
Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norell is fantastic. One of my all time favorites. It's completely different from Piranesi. Even the prose is in a different style.
Jonathan Strange is literally my favorite stand alone novel ;)
the book has an innocence yet built on a sinister foundation. I really enjoyed the dichotomy with those two pillars (pun not intended)
Hahah great way to put it!
Your patrons have excellent taste! I agree that Piranesi is a unique experience and highly atmospheric. For me, it’s one of the most beautiful books I’ve read, and the sense of strange melancholy and beauty I have when I think of it is still powerful. Thanks for your thoughts, Jimmy!
Spot on, thanks my friend!
Yes! I absolutely loved this book when I read it earlier this year. One of the most immersive and atmospheric books I've experienced in a while. It's good to see it still being talked about, well-earned.
I'm happy you love it 😊
I LOVE Piranesi !! Read it last year, one of my all-time favorites. I still have yet to read her other book, but hopefully will this year.
I'm so glad you liked this book, I read it last year and was one of my favorite reads of 2020.
Your cult interpretation is a very interesting one, It's one I haven't thought about, but totally makes sense.
As for my interpretations the first one would be loneliness and isolation, Susanna Clarke had a long running illness that forced her to stay home for years and I think the book is an exploration of that, the way our world shrinks around us and how we give meaning to the things around us and reinterpret our surrounding reality, and also how this isolation changes us and our relationships.
On the other hand Piranesi is a very childlike character, the way he thinks about the world made me think of myself as a child and the way a small courtyard was an entire world full of mistery for me back then.
Another possible interpretation would be the contrast between being one with nature (or art maybe) and trying to exploit it.
There are also some references to Narnia, so I think it has some interesting takes on escapism and the way us SFF readers live in other worlds.
Finally I've read somewhere that one of her inspirations is Borges, I haven't read anything by him, but I'm planning to read his novellas before doing a reread, until then I can't say much about this except that the labyrinth is a big symbol in Piranesi (that can be a reference to a mystery, but also to being trapped and I'm sure many more things)
Anyway this turned out too long, I hope you'll have the patience to read through it 😁 I'm looking forward to a liveshow about Piranesi!
Loved this comment. The more I think about it the more the loneliness interpretation makes sense
Definitely a book for the vibes. I actually wish it was longer, more developed, but I wonder if that would've worked against it. I love the idea, and the possibilities. I need to pick up Strange and Norrell at some point.
I could have had it go a bit longer with more as well, but idk, it felt so well done to me hard to knock it. I wanna read Strange as well!
Spoilers…
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I read Piranesi in the midst of a really bad depressive episode, so that’s probably *why* I took away from the reading experience what I did: I thought it was a giant thematic exploration and allegory for mental health, especially at the end when the man who is not Piranesi but not yet Matthew desires to go back into the house but knows it’s not safe for him to do that; sometimes, there is a feeling of comfort in periods of depression/anxiety/etc because there is a complexity yet a familiarity with it. There are also allusions to Plato’s allegory of the cave with Piranesi innocence (some could argue ignorance) of the world.
I like this take a lot, and I hope you're feeling better ❤️
Great review Jimmy! This was fun reading with you 🤙
Thanks mate, we were sucking diesel!!!
I was around pg 50 and was thinking of temporarily putting to the side as I had no idea what was going on but your non spoiler part of the review made me feel a lot better about continuing.
I think it's well worth it 🙂
Re-reading it now, this time though I am listening to chiwetel Eijiofor’s narration while I read the ebook and loving the narrator’s performance even more. He just makes Piranesi so much more real, child-like, innocent yet so worldly. Anyway, found your video to see what your thoughts were. 👍🏼
Thank you for the review, this book has been having a good review.... happy reading to you!! 🍁😊
Thanks 👍
I had no plans to read this book right now (it was on my radar but you know) and I found it at my library and said like you know what, this is short, let's give it a shot. I LOVED this book, the prose, the message, I even laughed a few times at Piranesi's stories. It's short but it definitely packs a punch. Loved your review and your interpretation.
Thank you so much! I am so glad you enjoyed it
This was probably the most enjoyable book of the year so fsr for me, glad you also had a great time with it!
It was great!
Im a late to the game, but a new fan of this book. I was struck by the similar themes to Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell - being enslaved, reviving ancient magic, the power of genius, one authority that wants to rule, endless worlds as prisons, being ruled by intellect to name a few. I imagine ill be unpacking this for a while.
Truly an amazing book
A beautifully written book that absolutely made me take notes, trying to find ways to interpret the possible meanings of its elements. And totally agree, the first 80+ pages had me devouring them without any clue what was going on.
Edit: Your interpretation regarding the cult mentality is certainly valid, I think the story actively encourages that. My own idea about this issue was quite similar, as showing the results that continued trauma, abuse, and neglect can have on a person. PTSD can do similar things to you, and I felt that Piranesi's story is a quite accurate reflection of what it feels like to have PTSD - particularly Matthew being neither Matthew nor Piranesi after having been "released", having to find a new concept of who he is, resonated strongly with me.
It's a very powerful book in my eyes. Isolation is definitely another piece that's inspected there
Just finished this book and came straight to here to hear your thoughts 😃 I'll say it again: you're the best fantasy reviewer out here on booktube.
That means the world to me, thank you
Honestly I love being lost alongside the characters... though in this case, it almost felt like Piranesi was my guide, showing me around his magical world in a labyrinth.
Truly beautiful and melancholy
very interesting interpretation and not one i had heard before, great vid jimmy :-)
Thanks!!
Wow, so I never thought about the book from that angle (as a cult allegory). My first reaction to you saying that was that the theory relies on the House not being real. But after thinking about it, I don't think that's true--I think the cult allegory works either way. It adds a whole other perspective to the story (a rather dark one, at that). This is such a fascinating book, with so many different ways to interpret it.
By the way, regarding the House being real, I never considered otherwise, and I guess the proof would be that 16 found a way in to rescue Piranesi. But who knows, maybe "the way in" is simply countering the effect of a drug or breaking through hypnosis. Anytime you have such an abstract story dealing with consciousness and perception, there are so many paths to understanding it.
Great review 👍
Very interesting! You bring up a good point about the house being real. I appreciate the comment!
Great review (I didn’t watch the spoiler end) but man this book gets nothing but praise.
It's really enchanting 😄
Okay..I was interested in this as an autumn read, and now, obviously I'm going to read it 😃 Great review! 👍
Thanks! This is a wonderful fall read IMO
It's on my TBR, I adored her debut novel JONATHAN STRANGE AND MR. NORRELL.
I feel like you'll adore this then 🤩
Great review! I listened to the audiobook of this not too long ago, and I'm glad to hear what other people think about it :)
This definitely is not a story that will go down as an "all time favorite" of mine, but I will say that I enjoyed it far more than I expected to. I have always been interested in Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, but never motivated enough to read it. There have always been books that I wanted to read more, but after reading Piranesi and seeing how I enjoy Susanna Clarke's writing style, I will probably finally get to Strange & Norrell sooner rather than latter, probably early to mid next 2022.
Thank you! I'd like to read Jonathan Strange as well
I'm so happy you loved the book, Jimmy! Piranesi made it into my favorite books of all time "pile" (stealing that word from Hillary). The prose is truly beautiful and wondrous. I loved the character, Piranesi, and exploration on aloneness vs. loneliness. I buddy read this with my mother and she was able to pick out several of the literary allusions. We have a video on my channel discussing the themes and impact the book had on us, so it was additionally special for me because I was able to connect with my mother about it. :)
I'm gonna watch that video today! That sounds so fun, and you're right, it is wondrous!
@@thefantasynuttwork that's so kind of you! I wasn't meaning to do a self-plug, but it did make the reading experience all the more special! ♥
@@Johanna_reads feel free to plug anything and everything here 🙂 love your content!
Easily the best book I've read so far this September, and I'm not just saying that because most of my other reads have been letdowns so far lol While I didn't get to that conclusion about cults, I can see it.
I’ve thought about this book so many times since finishing it
I haven't read the book yet, but I've only heard great things about it. I need to give this a go sometime soon.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did 😊
I really like the cult angle! And it’s a bit weird that I didn’t think of it, since I was brought up as a Jehovah’s Witness. The Other only wants to control Matthew for his own means, and it’s hard or even impossible to find yourself once you find your way out.
When Raphael tried to save him, the Other said that she wanted to hurt him, just like a cult leader would.
Yeah it's definitely how I felt about the story! Love this book
“It is major vibes” SOLD
You will love this book, I'm convinced 😎
As someone who loves journaling herself, I think I’ll enjoy this especially since you say it’s kind of weird and unique
@@r1ddhima yes! The way we get to know Piranesi through his journaling is one of my favorite parts of this story. I wish I read more stories that used this
I also felt like it was cult related. It's nice to hear someone else felt the same.
FINALLY SOMEONE ELSE
I loved this book and can't wait to reread it in the future.
Same 😎
Great review and I appreciate you talking some spoilers on this one. Would love to see you collab with others for more discussion. This was the last book I started in 2020 (31 dec) and first book I finished in 2021 (1 Jan), and still in my top 3 books finished this year out of 34 so far.
SPOILERS AHEAD:
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Your cult take is interesting and though I hadn’t thought of it before it definitely makes a lot of sense. Others mentioned loneliness and isolation and I leaned towards those vibes as I was reading it. I also like how there can be multiple interpretations. There was an excellent article online recently titled “The meditative empathy of Susanna Clarke’s Piranesi”
I will read that article! Thank you for bringing it up, and for watching 😊
My favorite from 2021 as well. I just ordered a hardback copy for my third date with it. My interpretation is that somethimes the search for knwoledge can blind some scolars into going too far. Most of "The Greate and Secret Knowledge" is actualy a pagan belief (especially the human- nature connection). There is actualy a great fantasy debut that has a part of that magic, "The Hand of the Sun King" by J T Greathouse.
Ive heard of that! I have the ebook and I'm damn tempted to get the hardback too
Piranesi is a gem! Definitely agree each reader can interpret it differently and that makes reading and discussing it all the more rewarding.
Spoilers Below
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I like your cult take - I think it makes a lot of sense especially because that secret academic club def had cult vibes! I personally read it as someone who's been through traumatic/difficult times trying to reconnect to the real world (ie, his amnesia is like blocking bad memories that he needs to actually process to move on, which he does by talking to raphael and finding his missing journals).
This book has such a deep layer to it, I love it!
Absolutely loved Piranesi. The quiet moments, the mystery, the contrast between Piranesi and the Other. Loved it all.
SPOILERS BELOW
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I agreen to the similarities between a cult and what happens in the book. This book has so much to explore.
There was an interesting article where Clarke talked about her illness and the isolation she has felt as a consequence. Piranesi almost feel like a manifestation of that isolation.
I also liked how Piranesi seeks out knowledge for the greater good while the Other seeks knowledge out of selfishness. The Other can also represent ambition and how good intentions can get out of hand and our own ego can transform us into terrible people.
Those are some fantastic points. I need to seek out some interviews with her!
@@thefantasynuttwork It is quite sad what Clarke has gone through. It got to the point when she thought she was never going to be able to write another book.
@@afantasybabble6222 I'm glad she was able to!
I think the high praise definitely had an effect on me, since I came with high expectations and ended up being somehow disappointed. but thats my fault
Nah that's okay! Sometimes things miss for us as readers. Hope your next read is better for you!
Hey any plans to read "Demon Cycle" anytime?
Definitely possible!
SPOILER ALERT - I read it thinking there was an element of mental illness and at the same time that it was an urban portal fantasy. There are references to fantasy literature (c s lewis, Greek mythology), the statury seemingly symbolic of the themes (at one time he even calls them prophetic) especially the crowd scene that seem to point to a hidden truth. The fact that it doesn't seem to bother Piranesi that The Other doesn't have a real name seems to put this in the realms of a world built from the mind to hide in or induced by pain. That could be through contact with a cult. Another point is that the other boy that was a captive of Sayles seemed to have spent two years in a cupboard because his 'toilet matter' came under a wall. All food for thought. On the other hand I also enjoyed it as an urban fantasy where an endearing character is saved from a life as a prisioner.
Loved this comment
I don’t think she was writing about cults at all, the author was stuck inside due to illness for many years and I think it had more to do with actual isolation.
Yeah I’ve read that as well. Though I don’t think my interpretation is all that unbelievable, I’d say it speaks to the quality that it can have a lot of different meanings
Hello, great review, thank you. Does the book have any LGTBQ... character or theme? Or any hint?
I’m having trouble remembering
Read Gormanghast
Will be this year
Its weirdly perfect imo and i dont think i feel that way about any other media.
I have a book sugestion jimmy 😏
Let's hear it!
@@thefantasynuttwork
6'11 of sexy !!!!!!🌳🌠
No really 😅have you read the warlord chronicles by Bernard cornwell?
@@mrsduncanthetall they're on my shelf!
@@thefantasynuttwork 😳as in yes i have or tbr?
@@mrsduncanthetall on my 2022 tbr!
art is subjective there's no you being way off the mark
🙌
:D