I'm currently reading Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell, and I thought I'd also read Susanna Clarke's other novel, Piranesi, at the same time. I blazed through it in two days.
The story follows a man named Piranesi living in what is essentially an infinite classical style building that he calls the House, filled with grand columns and statues and such. The only other person in this world is someone he calls the Other, who is after some secret knowledge hidden in the House. That is, until signs of other inhabitants begin to appear…
I won't say anymore because the plot is much more of a mystery than I was expecting and I don't want to spoil anything. However, what kept me reading was not the plot but Piranesi's narration. He can be overly naive at times, but the way he describes the House makes what would originally seem like some unsettling liminal space sound grand, imposing, and hauntingly beautiful. Its just a joy to read his thoughts and to root for him as the plot unfolds.
I highly recommend this book to fans of offbeat and unique fantasy. For those who bounced off Jonathan Strange and Mr.Norrell, know that this book is very different in tone and scope (although it can be very British at certain points), and that the main character is a joy to read about.
by ChronicAwesome15