Susanna Clarke's Piranesi captivates with its enchanting prose and unique narrative, creating a richly imaginative world that feels both vast and intimate. Some readers found the plot slow and overly enigmatic, but most appreciated its originality and poetic quality. Clarke's talent for world-building and philosophical reflection is widely praised, making this a thought-provoking read.

Piranesi by Susanna Clarke captivates readers who appreciate intricate world-building and intellectual puzzles. Fans of Borges' metaphysical explorations and Neil Gaiman's mythic storytelling in American Gods will find this novel compelling. Its blend of fantasy, mystery, and philosophical depth appeals to those who enjoy profound and enigmatic narratives.

Piranesi by Susanna Clarke is an epistolary fantasy novel narrated through first-person journal entries by Matthew Rose Sorensen, also known as Piranesi, who is trapped in a labyrinthine House with grand halls and seas, only remembering this world. He aids another inhabitant, the Other, who seeks arcane knowledge, leading to a journey of self-discovery, identity fragmentation, and eventual partial re-integration into modern society.

Mysterious / Contemplative / Serene / Bittersweet / Fantastical

- Piranesi is Susanna Clarke’s second novel, released 16 years after her debut novel, Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, which reflects Clarke's meticulous and creative writing process.
- The title Piranesi is inspired by the Italian artist Giovanni Battista Piranesi, renowned for his intricate etchings of imaginary and labyrinthine prisons, which echo the book's themes and setting.
- Susanna Clarke’s work on Piranesi earned it the prestigious Women’s Prize for Fiction in 2021, highlighting its critical acclaim and the unique impact it had on readers and critics alike.

**The Beloved Child of the House**  
A thirty-something narrator who is deeply knowledgeable about the labyrinth-like setting, assuming the role of diligent explorer and observer.

**Piranesi**  
The name given to the narrator by another character, inspired by an Italian artist associated with labyrinths, symbolizing a separate identity while in the labyrinth.

**Matthew Rose Sorensen**  
The original identity of the narrator, a writer, and journalist, lost within the narrative's events but a source of ongoing exploration and remembrance.

**Valentine Ketterley/The Other**  
A seemingly intellectual ally to the narrator who stands out with his modern devices and attire but has a more complex role in the unfolding events.

**Sarah Raphael**  
A police officer who aids the narrator with a considerate approach, noted for her distinctive elfin features and negotiation skills.

**Laurence Arne-Sayles/The Prophet**  
An old professor with a mysterious connection to the labyrinth and a background that intrigues the narrator's original identity for its transgressive intellectualism.

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Piranesi Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Piranesi”

Part 1 Piranesi Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Other”

Part 2 Piranesi Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “The Prophet”

Part 3 Piranesi Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “16” 

Part 4 Piranesi Part 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “Valentine Ketterley”

Part 5 Piranesi Part 5 Summary & Analysis

Part 6: “Wave” 

Part 6 Piranesi Part 6 Summary & Analysis

Part 7: “Matthew Rose Sorensen” 

Part 7 Piranesi Part 7 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Piranesi Character Analysis

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Piranesi Themes

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Piranesi Important Quotes

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Piranesi Book Club Questions

Piranesi

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