Piranesi is a well written mystery box. The story, as written from the narrator's journals perspective, unfolds in an interestingly unusual way.

Piranesi the character is naively hopeful and optimistic, constantly choosing to overlook the sinister side of the house, that is clearly foretold through his own journalistic writing. Clarke deliberately made the character "dumber" than the reader, so the reader can understand the mental decay Piranesi has gone through, and the solutions he applies once back in the real world. Although rescued, Piranesi, through the last sentence of the novel, has not truly, nor will he ever, leave the house. The house has become transient, and as much a part of him, as he was it.

Whilst patience is required for the first third of the novel, and it's hard to gather a rhythm during this methodical, and over descriptive section, it makes sense, and allows for true empathy with Piranesi, as you're forced into a glimpse of his prison. Clarke's great story telling ability is exposed after having finished, and examining the why of it all. Clark's exceptional writing prose, is only exposed in the last couple pages, making the ending all too beautiful.

Little details can bring such happiness. Thank you for the beautiful condition of Piranesi, but thank you, more, for the lovely little thank you card. I enjoy sweet gestures like this, and forever will your small and kind note mark the pages of this beautiful book. In kindness Michelle

Maganda quality

And the tennis court was covered up
With some tent-like thing
And you asked me to dance
But I said, "Dancing is a dangerous game"
Oh, I thought
This is gonna be one of those things
Now I know
I'm never gonna love again
I've got some tricks up my sleeve
Takes one to know one
You're a cowboy like me
Never wanted love
Just a fancy car
Now I'm waiting by the phone
Like I'm sitting in an airport bar
You had some tricks up your sleeve
Takes one to know one

The beginning of this book is incredibly slow, filled with descriptions and numbers of halls repeating themselves over and over again. Around half way through the book, it no longer felt like a mystery and the motives of everyone involved were clear. The later 'reveal' did not feel rewarding. The climax of the story was wrapped up quickly and then the end dragged a little. I heard fantastic things about this book and perhaps my expectations were too high. That being said, the author has a great writing style that makes it easy to follow what's happening (if you don't dwell on the numbers too much) and the naivity of the main character was, at times, endearing.