[bemmu]

I'll take this opportunity to drop the fact that I'm kind of obsessed with the book "Piranesi", where the main character (named after the artist in the article) survives in a world which is just endless corridors of classical architecture, statues, and staircases.

It's an incredibly calming experience, I've listened to the audiobook over 10 times before sleep. Highly recommended.

[asicsp]

A very different book, but I loved reading "Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell" [0] as well by the same author.

[0] which used footnotes to great effect

[colkassad]

This also has a great audiobook version. Simon Prebble really brings the characters to life.

[AndrewStephens]

I enjoyed the TV adaptation as well.

[maw]

Indeed. It made long walks with my dog seem all too short.

[WD-42]

Clicked the article for the book, stayed for the awesome explanation on how perspective works.

[echelon_musk]

This must have been the inspiration for the Counter-Strike map de_piranesi !

[teraflop]

No, the CS map predates the novel by almost 20 years. Almost certainly they were just both inspired by the same artist.

[AndrewStephens]

I second this review - Piranesi is a fantastic and inventive novel.

[OnionBlender]

I remember being very frustrated with the main character while listening to the audio book. I enjoy the memory of the story a lot more than I remember actively listening to the story. I think I kept trying to "figure out" the world like it was a puzzle. I also find naive characters very frustrating. It wasn't until I finished the story that I really appreciated it.

[bemmu]

"The House is valuable because it is the House. It is enough in and of itself."

[getlawgdon]

So did you just spoil the ending for me?

[jamie_ca]

Nope, that's a quote from early in the book.

[bognition]

Not even close

[whatrocks]

I think about this book ALL the time. It was way more terrifying than calming to me. But still absolutely love it / haunted by it.

[nmca]

A truly wonderful novel that I also opened the comments to shill.

[AnthonBerg]

we each enter the corridors for our own purposes and yet they are one

[flopsamjetsam]

Loved the book. Bought it in hardcover, based just on the blurb, which sounded so futuristic and imaginative. Surprised me in ways I didn't expect.

[bityard]

I absolutely adored Johnathan Strange and Mr. Norrel, I don't read a _ton_ of fiction, but somehow stumbled into it and recommend it to anyone who will listen.

But I couldn't get into Piranesi at all. The first few chapters never seem to actually go anywhere. It got terrific reviews so maybe it's just too abstract for me.

[justonceokay]

It reads like a parable and you are right there isn’t a lot of action. I thought the imagery was very stark and the relation the main character had to the world is similar to an abuse victim rationalizing their situation.

[jackstraw14]

Read the book once, will definitely check out the audiobook. I got in the habit of reading it before bed too, sounds perfect.

[henrebotha]

Absolute banger. I am convinced it will be held up as a true classic.

[vagab0nd]

There are a few "wait what?" moments in the first half of the book that no other books have matched.

[blandenialo]

Sadly, the ending doesnt live up to the expectations, at least for me.

[vagab0nd]

The paradox of mystery, when the mystery is too good that no ending can justify it.

[flopsamjetsam]

Yes, could almost have been written for another story altogether.

[agnishom]

Came here to say this. I loved the voice of the main character.