Beautifully written but I found it opaque. I'll buy the book but it may take me several tries to read it.

I read this extract and it caught my attention so much that I went and read the whole book. I found that I was compelled to read this book at every opportunity. I loved the mix of mystical and reality.

It's awkward to review a sampler. This book is unusual, it's written like a report it being a journal of a scientist it seems about this house he lives in. It does have an air of mystery which would be tantalising if you could get past the report like narrative and the capital letter of some words (it does have a purpose). I think you have to enjoy unusual books (which I usually do) and this type of narrative and possibly a slow pace to enjoy this book.
I prefer to be immersed in the world so don't think this book would appeal at this time. Maybe in a different frame of mind. I can see that it could be an intriguing read. I feel the need to skip to some action at the moment so I wouldn't read the whole novel at this time.
It is interesting.

Loved this!
Bought and finished the whole book.
Clarke has a way of creating a totally believable unbelievable world that stays with you for a long time after.
Different to her first, but just as good and absorbing. Just wish she would write more frequently!

Piranesi is the book I've wanted to read for such a long time. I am a big fan of Susanna Clarke, having read Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell as well as The Ladies of Grace Adieu over ten years ago.
Piranesi is a complicated book and found that I had to re-read several passages to visualise the halls where the character of Piranesi lives. However once I got over the repetition of the number of halls and vestibules, I was able to really get into the book.
Completely different from JSAMR and TLOGA, Piranesi focuses on the architecture of an endless labyrinth and the fragmented memory of the main character, who has lost all sense of himself. While I enjoyed it, it was a little confusing in places and best enjoyed if you don't try to remember which vestibule Piranesi is visiting.

This is a weird and wonderful book. Sometimes dizzying in it’s imagined scope. The author is amazing at building worlds and creating entire characters. It gave me very strange dreams for weeks afterwards and I think that’s a good thing. Would recommend.

While only short, this really whetted my appetite for Piranesi. It's an interesting start and I look forward to read more.

I don't know what I can say about Piranesi, except what I'd say about some of my very favourite films, books and pieces of music:

- it's wonderful

- I can't describe it

- you have to experience it for yourself

Please do.

This book is strange, unique and gorgeous. It is like nothing else I’ve read but I really enjoyed reading it.

The writing was beautiful and I am in awe of Susanna’s imagination. The first few chapters I had no idea what was happening but it really connected with me and I was gripped.

This is one that I definitely think I would get more out of on a re-read and I can’t wait to read her other novel.

This book is strangely fantastic. It’s hard to even describe this book as it’s so unusual. It was a great read and one that won’t be forgotten quickly.

This extract gave me just enough to whet my appetite. the language is beautiful and I have now purchased a full copy.

Sorry, not for me! Too many books , too little time to read them all. Seems well-written so I'm sure it'll gain plenty of fans.

Brilliant! A real novel novel. An isolated, unpopulated world is slowly created through the eyes of our hero, an optimistic, naive, idealist. Piranesi. As his wisdom develops the terrible truth of his situation becomes clear, both to him and to us. Despite his frustrating naivety, the delicate reveal is cleverly built drawing the reader ever deeper into the puzzle. There is no choice but to follow Piaranesi to whatever end is awaiting him. Irresistible.

I’m sad to say that I was really disappointed with the sample chapters for this book. I loved the “Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell” series when they came out. So I had high hopes for this new book. To be honest I didn’t even finish reading the sample chapters. I found the whole thing quite confusing so I’m afraid I won’t be reading the rest of the book. The synopsis makes the book sound like a really good fantasy book that you could really let your imagination run wild with, but it didn’t spark my imagination. However I’m sure there are plenty of other readers that will thoroughly enjoy the book, but it wasn’t for me.

A very short slightly intriguing extract that left me undecided on whether I want to read the book or not because there wasn't much to go about it. But I probably will read the book later on.

I enjoyed Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, so I was interested in finding out more about Piranesi.. This extract is certainly intriguing, but I am in two minds about reading the book. A longer extract might have helped me decide whether to read it. On balance I think I will.

Truly an enticing entry point into what's turned out to be delightful work that's at once the complete opposite of Clarke's past work and a clear continuation. Yes, it's, a historical-fantasy-genre-hybrid, but mock 18th-Century, not Regency! With just a handful of characters! Stylistic minimalism! Short chapters!

Still, there's an underlying warmth and humanism that marks it as a sibling to Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, and as a novel of loneliness and self-estrangement it's all too topical (both for life during COVID and in light of Clarke's own debilitating illness). It's lovely and resonant on many levels, but its real triumph is the setting. The Beauty of the House is immeasurable; its Kindness infinite.

I was sent an extract so I am not in a position to write a considered review. The extract whetted my appetite to read the complete book at some point.

The exclusive extract of Piranesi is exactly that – a very short extract. We don’t get much of the plot and what we do get inspires a lot more questions than answers. Rather than showcasing an action-packed part of the book, the extract focuses on the setting – a mysterious ‘house’ with it’s large halls and statues, the residents who have long since died and our narrator Piranesi who is trying to document the house.

Overall the extract that I read was incredibly short, however it did really pique my curiosity and I look forward to reading more when the book is finally published. Thank you to NetGalley & Bloomsbury Publishing for the chance to read this extract is exchange for an honest review.

Superbly draws you in. I want to know more. Of course the description is vivid and ancient, Ms Clarke does that brilliantly!!