The narrative revolves around the life of John Taylor, a young man who, having lost his mother at a tender age, finds himself drawn into a fantastical world. He becomes obsessed with the House, a vast, ever-changing labyrinthine structure filled with tides, statues, and mysterious entities. The House seems to exist in multiple dimensions simultaneously, and its corridors and chambers are inhabited by various versions of reality.
Piranesi, the second novel by Susanna Clarke, is a mesmerizing and atmospheric tale that defies easy categorization. Published in 2020, this book is a follow-up to her critically acclaimed debut, Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell. While it can be read as a standalone, Piranesi shares some of the same themes, wit, and historical sensibilities that made Jonathan Strange a beloved classic.
As John navigates this surreal world, he encounters a cast of intriguing characters, including the enigmatic and reclusive Piranesi, who may hold the key to understanding the House's secrets. Through John's journey, Clarke masterfully weaves together themes of grief, trauma, mental health, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy.
Piranesi is a rich, haunting, and thought-provoking novel that showcases Susanna Clarke's unique storytelling abilities. While it may not be to every reader's taste, those who appreciate atmospheric fiction, complex themes, and masterful world-building will find much to admire in this book. Fans of Clarke's previous work and readers of literary fantasy, magical realism, and philosophical fiction will likely find Piranesi to be a deeply rewarding and memorable experience.