But I enjoyed everything and found the gradual transition, towards more mundane matters, illustrating certain points about humans’ relation to reality. Some readers may prefer the first part of the book, which is beautifully written and filled with wonder. What is this world? Who is Piranesi? How did he get there? Still, it is great fun trying to work out the details.Īs the story progresses towards revelation of the mystery, the dreamy otherworldly atmosphere gradually dissolves. Readers will relatively quickly get an idea of what lies behind. The author alludes to this all along via quotes, names and hints. Piranesi’s ability to appreciate and to adapt gives him the potential to find happiness or at least contentment in life, in a way which would never be possible for The Other. These opposite life attitudes are central. The former doesn’t appreciate the The House in its own right and only ascribes value to any gains or powers, The House may be able to provide. In this respect, The Other is depicted as the antithesis to Piranesi. However, Piranesi has achieved a state of contentment, living in an almost symbiotic harmony with The House. Cold and bare, with only Piranesi and The Other present, surviving isn’t easy. Like Piranesi, I started to sense the magic of the House and I loved how every day was filled with exploration and discovery.

I guess subconsciously, I must have let go of my rational mind and returned to an almost child-like state of wonder. Without much notice, I suddenly found myself in the House with Piranesi, completely mesmerised by the endless halls filled with statues and a mysterious ocean flowing throughout. What went wrong? I used to be so good at picking them.Īnd then it happened. And when Piranesi at first sight appeared to be an endless list of journal entries, I was seriously starting to doubt my own judgement. I’ve had mixed success with my recent reads.

Piranesi audiobook