Piranesi is a fantastical read. The description of the House is beautiful and vivid. It is surprising how inviting the House sounds when it is constructed purely of marble. It feels as if it should be cold and foreboding but the addition of the Tides and the birds breathe life into an otherwise still environment. 

I enjoyed the fact that even though Piranesi (the character) was unaware of the significance of his journal entries we, the audience, had the necessary context to appreciate the exposition. It otherwise would have been frustrating to be continually wondering how he came to be in the House and why. This also meant that the pace of the story was sufficient, with the reader slowly gaining more insight into the how's and why's of the story. I actually really enjoyed the pace of the book. Information was revealed slowly but at a gratifying pace.

It is also really pleasing that

Piranesi actually gains mastery of traveling between the House and the Real World. He obviously loves the House and considers it his home but the sad truth is that initially the House was a prison, an awful life sentence thrust upon him and I am glad that he regained his agency at the end of the novel

.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book and eagerly read on to discover along with Piranesi the mysteries behind the House and the reasons for his presence there. The reason this book didn't get a full five starts is because while it was an engaging read I don't feel like it challenged any views I previously held. It was entertaining and gripping but not necessarily thought provoking, hence the lacking last star. 

I enjoyed the magical elements in the story and the manner in which it was told. I am also particularly appreciative of the fact that

we actually obtain an explanation of the House and the author did not simply leave us in the dark

. Overall a well written book with interesting characters and a unique premise that had a satisfying conclusion.