Transportive, mysterious, magical.

I so, SO enjoyed reading this sample of Piranesi. The prose is poetic and poignant as it draws the reader into the story. It is transportive, mysterious and ethereal in tone. It didn’t feel as if I was reading, more as if I was dreaming.


The character of Piranesi cuts a lonely, elusive figure, making his observations, writing his notes, and throughout the sample I was hooked, wanting desperately to understand him and know more of him.


It’s apparent from the outset that setting is key, almost a character in itself. Susannah Clarke examines the power of setting and location with the halls. Magical and enchanting, with the power and lure of a fairy tale, and as with fairy tales, something dark bubbling beneath. I absolutely loved the sample.