Piranesi by Susanna Clarke (2020): A Review

Title: Piranesi

Author: Susanna Clarke

Publication Year: 2020

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pages: 272

Source: book

Genre: literary fiction, magical realism, mythology, dark academia, fantasy, mystery

Awards: Winner of the Women's Prize for Fiction; Winner of the Audie Award (Audiobook of the Year); Winner of the Kitschies Red Tentacle (Best Novel); Finalist for the Hugo Award for Best Novel; Finalist for the Mythopoeic Award for Fantasy; Shortlisted for the BSFA Award for Best Novel; Shortlisted for the Costa Book Awards (Novel); Nominated for the Goodreads Choice Awards; Nominated for the Nebula Award for Best Novel; Nominated for the World Fantasy Award for Best Novel


Piranesi by Susanna Clarke stands out as one of my best reads of 2025. This novel truly has everything: suspense, mystery, psychological intrigue, magical realism, philosophy, and fantasy, all woven together in a masterful tapestry. At first, it feels like you’ve stepped into a realm that defies reality — strange, ethereal, and unlike anything you’ve read before. But as the narrative unfolds and the mysteries are gradually unraveled, you come to realize that, at its core, this is a work of philosophical detective fiction, probing the boundaries of knowledge and identity.

To fully appreciate Piranesi, you must abandon any expectations of a conventional plot or straightforward storytelling at the threshold: better yet, at the entrance to the HOUSE itself. Logic is useless in this endless labyrinth of halls and statues. You find yourself needing a guide, someone or something to help you navigate the House’s shifting corridors; otherwise, you risk losing yourself entirely. And make no mistake: the novel draws you in, immersing you so completely that you become a participant, not just an observer. Consent is irrelevant; you are swept along as one of the characters of the story, whether you like it or not.

I won’t spoil the plot here. You really need to experience the suspense and mind-bending twists for yourself. What I can say is that the story, structure, and pacing are executed to near perfection, pulling you inexorably through a world that constantly makes you question what is real. At times, you might wish for an encyclopedia of literature and myth to fully appreciate the novel’s allusions and layers. Piranesi is a rare book that lingers long after you’ve finished, inviting you to return and uncover new mysteries each time.

If you’re looking for a novel that breaks the boundaries of genre and storytelling, that challenges your perceptions and haunts you long after the final page, Piranesi is an experience you shouldn’t miss.

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