Review: Piranesi by Susanna Clarke

I picked up Piranesi after hearing it recommended on the ABC Radio National Top 100 Books of the 21st Century countdown, and it turned out to be one of those books that feels quietly special while you are reading it, and then keeps revisiting you afterwards.

The story is told through the journals of Piranesi, who lives in an enormous House made up of endless halls filled with statues. The lower levels flood with the tides, the upper levels are dry and calm, and the House seems to provide everything he needs (albeit not much). There is only one other person in his world, someone he calls the Other, who visits occasionally and is searching for some kind of hidden knowledge. As Piranesi records his days, small details begin to feel off, and gradually you realise that there is much more going on than he understands.

That is about as much as I want to say about the plot, because this really is a book you should discover slowly.

What I loved most about Piranesi was the feeling of it. The world is mysterious and magical, but it also feels incredibly real. Clarke builds it so carefully that you accept it almost without question, even when you do not fully understand how it works. I could see it clearly in my head, and I did not want to leave it.

In a strange way, it reminded me of the stories I used to make up as a child. Those imagined worlds that felt complete and absorbing and totally logical while you were inside them. I think that has a lot to do with Piranesi himself. He moves through his world with such openness and appreciation. He delights in it. He notices things. He is grateful for what he has. That straightforward way of seeing made the book feel both gentle and profound.

The writing is beautiful but very restrained. It never feels like it is trying too hard. The mystery unfolds slowly, and even when the book ends, it feels like there is still more there to think about. I finished it with the sense that I had not fully unpacked everything yet, and I liked that.

I kept wishing I was reading this as part of a book club. It feels like the kind of book that would only get better through conversation, because there is so much in it that could be interpreted and discussed. Power, knowledge, memory, identity, and the stories we tell ourselves.

This is strange, thoughtful, and beautifully made. I really loved it.

4.5 stars: Near perfection and highly recommended. 

New Moon by Stephanie Meyer

Book Details

Paperback
Pages: 497
Publisher: Atom
Published: 2007
Language: English
ISBN: 978-1-904233-88-6

Book Review

I finally got around to reading the second in the Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer. It was actually an impulse purchase at the Gold Coast airport as I was waiting to come back from my holiday a couple of weeks ago.

I have to admit to not enjoying it as much as I did the first book. It took me quite a while to get into it, but once I got into the second half, I did get a lot more involved in the story (people did warn me this would happen). I suppose all of the books in the series will be similar; a big long build up where nothing much happens, leading to the climax with a bit of action.

I don't know, I thought that I would really enjoy this series after reading the first book but now I am not convinced. All everyone seems to do in this book (particularly Bella and Edward) is talk about how much in love they are and the many problems not being of the same species creates for them. I am finding it a bit monotonous - don't they have anything else to talk about? And the teen angst - I'm finding it a little frustrating.

My only other difficulty is the writing, I just don't think it's very good. I know, I know, who am I to judge? I couldn't write myself out of a paper bag if I needed to. Maybe it's just that in my mind I am comparing it to the Harry Potter series, which far outstrips the Twilight series in story and the quality of the writing (in my humble opinion). Perhaps it's just that the book is written for teenagers, and I am used to reading for an older age group. There's just something about the writing that doesn't seem good to me.

Reading over this review you would think that I didn't enjoy the book! Please don't get me wrong, I definitely enjoy the book. I finished it within 1 day and I definitely want to finish the series. The good thing about the book is that whatever problems you have with it, and however slowly it seems to move, it is a page turner; it sucks you in and you need to finish reading it. I do like the relationship between Edward and Bella, I love the sexual tension. I also enjoyed getting to know Jacob Black more in this series.

The book had me laughing out loud - especially at the part where Edward proposes to Bella. That was hilarious. She is dying (pardon the pun) for Edward to turn her into a vampire so that they can be together for all eternity - but woah, hold your horses - marriage?! She's too young for that sort of commitment. I couldn't stop laughing as I read this bit.

So, all in all, I had mixed reactions to this book as you can, but I will definitely still continue with the series.

Summary

What kind of read is this?

Quick easy, young adult, paranormal.

Do I recommend it? 

Yes, for as much as I have problems with it, it is still a good read.

Do I recommend that you buy it? 

I do recommend buying it if you have the rest of the series. I don't know about you, but I am someone that particularly likes to own a series if I have actually read it.

Star Rating

This is tricky to rate. Although technically I don't have a system for rating half stars, I am going with 5.5 stars.

Originally posted 24 February 2010 Page Turners

The Princess Bride by William Goldman

A Blast from the Past is a weekly meme where I intend to review book that I read in the past that has had some form of impact upon me, whether it be good or bad.

I purchased The Princess Bride on a whim from a local book shop because I loved the movie so much. Has anyone not seen the movie? It is amazing, so when I saw the book, I couldn't help myself.

The story is hilarious; a tongue-in-cheek fairytale involving the handsome hero Wesley, the beautiful Princess Buttercup forced to marry the evil King, the Spanish drunk sword fighter ("My name is Inigo Montoya, you killed my father, prepare to die" - that is the best line in any movie ever!), the giant Fezzik who likes making up rhymes, along with a whole host of other characters and mythical beings. The Pit of Despair is one of my favourite creations of the story. Each character has their own goals, whether it be to avenge their father's death, start a war between two countries or save their love from the clutches of the evil king.

The author claims to have abridged a lengthier version by Florinese write S Mortenson, making The Princess Bride a clever work of metafiction. The whole book is very special, so funny and cleverly put together, including notes from the author whenever he claims to have removed some of the more boring content the original author included.

This book is lots of fun and I highly recommend it to all. It's a fairytale for adults and a real page turner. I will be the first admit I still slightly prefer the movie to the book (shock intake of breath here) but I think it's because of my childhood associations with the movie.

Please give it a try if you are looking for something fun to read.

Originally posted 21 February 2010 Page Turners