21st Century Literature discussion

This is for discussion of the November Moderator Pick.

Initial thoughts, general impressions, links and reviews should go here. Please restrict any discussion of the book to Part 1 only. I'm saying part 1 is okay because it gives a feeling of the world, the character and the writing without touching on any of the book's revelations.

What are people's first impressions? Were you sucked into the book right away, or did you need more time to find your footing?

Were you one of the Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell fans? If so, did you have any expectations or hopes for Piranesi? Any fulfilled (or thwarted) expectations?

Please feel free to post any other ideas, questions, or interesting links.


Here's a site with etchings by Giovanni Battista Piranesi, for whom the main character is given his name.
https://artmuseum.princeton.edu/objec...

Some reviews, with greater or lessor degrees of spoilers.

Review from the Guardian, light on spoilers
https://www.theguardian.com/books/202...

Review from NPR, light on spoilers
https://www.npr.org/2020/09/20/914369...

Excellent review from the LA Times. This one is better read after the book. There are only moderate spoilers, but it gets into some meta-analysis many readers would likely prefer to contemplate for themselves first. It also points out some clever references to Narnia.
https://www.latimes.com/entertainment...

I was interested in reading Piranesi because I had read Jonathan Strange several years ago and had enjoyed it very much. I found Piranesi to be very different, but it was intriguing and mysterious and I would say I liked it even more than Jonathan Strange.

I read the book earlier in the year and enjoyed it a lot, but can't remember exactly where part 1 ends. It was my first Clarke, but I do have a copy of Jonathan Strange on the to read shelf.

I'm in the second to last section now, and have really been enjoying this! I have not read Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell yet, and had no expectations.

Great idea to start with impressions of the first section, because it introduces the setting and the character, which were both very intriguing to me. I appreciate the link to the etchings! Just as I was imagining it.

I particularly liked the voice of Piranesi. He is a great mix of vulnerable and resourceful, innocent and industrious.

So yeah, I'd say I was sucked in right away.

Part 1: a bloomin', buzzin', confusion, inhabited by a dedicated pedant. OK. I've NO idea where this will go. I saw the TV version of Mr. Norrel, and was motivated to read the book, so I'm sure Ms. Clarke has something in mind...

I read Piranesi about a year ago and enjoyed it. I also liked Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell that I read 10 years ago and did not write a review for. I'm not sure of where Part I ends but I do remember the opening of the book and how I wondered what was going on.

I'm glad this was chosen. I am about 2/3rds of the way done and really enjoying it. I really like the way Clarke sets up the world in the opening chapters and I think the point of view in narration is a key in setting this up. Enjoying it immensely.

Franky wrote: "I'm glad this was chosen. I am about 2/3rds of the way done and really enjoying it. I really like the way Clarke sets up the world in the opening chapters and I think the point of view in narration..."

Glad to hear you're enjoying it, Franky! Looking forward to your thoughts in the "Entire Book" discussion.

I was sucked in right away. A mysterious World (House) with rhythm and discipline got my neurotransmitters scrambling immediately. The water is enticing to me since I live in a location that is governed by tides. I like that Piranesi puts himself first in the quest to lead a purposeful life. It is refreshing that Intellect and Scientific Method are appreciated. One skeleton is that of a 7-year-old female, perhaps. Interesting since the "Age of Reason" was long thought to be 7. Apparently, according to the narrator, older skeletons show that wisdom of elders is valued. Person #16 - ??? I'm excited to begin the journey and learn more of what is recorded in the notebooks.

Sarah wrote: "I was sucked in right away. A mysterious World (House) with rhythm and discipline got my neurotransmitters scrambling immediately. The water is enticing to me since I live in a location that is gov..."

Same Sarah about the notebooks. The book has this imaginative level that reminds me a tad of Murakami's books, which I love. I also forgot to mention that this book also sort of reminds me of House of Leaves in how the spatial construction is important to the story.

Whitney, I will, and thanks for the links. Those give so much context to the novel!

Sarah wrote: It is refreshing that Intellect and Scientific Method are appreciated. "

Yes, definitely! Clarke doesn't treat rational and spiritual as somehow opposite, Piranesi is unreservedly both.

Whitney wrote: "Sarah wrote: It is refreshing that Intellect and Scientific Method are appreciated. "

Yes, definitely! Clarke doesn't treat rational and spiritual as somehow opposite, Piranesi is unreservedly both."

Great point! Useful to keep in mind with today's milieu

I enjoy reading anything with water in it, but am guarded as to whether this is going anywhere beyond pointless fantasy. But I am enjoying the tides, and will keep reading.

I was immediately sucked in. Despite the fact that I have dozens of questions (which I've dutifully written in the margins using different colored sticky notes), Clarke's writing is incredibly alluring and magical.

My favorites so far: "The Beauty of the House is immeasurable; its Kindness infinite."

"The Sixteenth Person" -- I cannot wait to see where this goes.

A little late to the Piranesi Party, but better late than never.

The party is still in full swing! Drinks and crudités can be found in the Eighteenth North-Eastern Hall, please join us at your leisure.

Lyn wrote: "I enjoy reading anything with water in it, but am guarded as to whether this is going anywhere beyond pointless fantasy. But I am enjoying the tides, and will keep reading."

Lyn, have you read far enough to have your answer, yet?

Rachel wrote: "I was immediately sucked in. Despite the fact that I have dozens of questions (which I've dutifully written in the margins using different colored sticky notes), ..."

I'll be interested to hear what sticky notes you have left at the end.

Whitney, I've finished the book now, and just read your linked reviews that start this thread, which are excellent.

My comments now don't belong in this thread, but I'm glad I read this odd and quirky book, which has created quite a bit of resonance in my mind.